Larry Hoffman Mathias

Larry Hoffman Mathias, 88, passed away after a short illness on March 27, 2026. 

A resident of Stuart, Florida for the past 28 years, he was born and raised in Reading, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Russel N. Mathias and Stella Mathias (nee Hoffman). Larry graduated from Reading High School and then attended Bucknell University where in 1960, he received his bachelor’s degree. While at Bucknell, he was a three (3) year varsity letter winner in both football and baseball, and in 1959 he was elected as Captain of the Bison’s football team. He was also a proud member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity.

After graduation, Larry served honorably in the United States Army in the “Big Red One” where he attained the rank of First Lieutenant. On July 22, 1961, he married the love of his life, Joyce Mathias (nee Conti), and thus began their 64 year journey together. Larry settled in New Jersey, where he taught math at Union High School and then at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey. He was an assistant coach for the Rams football team as well as the head coach for the varsity baseball team. After receiving his master’s degree in education from Temple University, he became a Vice Principal and completed his career as the Principal of the Southern Regional Adult School Program. He retired from education in December 1994.

Larry was a member of the Barnegat Bay Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, a member of the Presbyterian Church of Toms River and the Peace Presbyterian Church in Stuart, Florida.

Larry was predeceased by his parents and brother, Phillip Mathias. He is survived by his wife Joyce of Stuart, Florida; his Daughter, Leigh M. Bienkowski (Brian P. Bienkowski) of West Melbourne, Florida; and his Son, Robert R. Mathias (Dina Mathias) of Toms River, New Jersey. He was also the proud “Poppa Larry” to his granddaughters, Grace C. Bienkowski and Ava C. Mathias.

A Celebration of Life and Reception will be held at Peace Presbyterian Church in Stuart, Florida at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Larry’s Memory to Peace Presbyterian Church (http://www.peacepresbyterianchurch.org, using Quick Links at the bottom of the homepage) or the Bison Club, Bucknell University (http://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/11145/donations/new, choose Designation, Bison Club - Football, Gridiron Club).