Matthew C. Gretzinger

Matthew Christopher Gretzinger passed away unexpectedly on September 24, 2024 at the age of 53. Matthew was born on April 8, 1971 to Paul H and Carolyn (Miller) Gretzinger and lived primarily in Toledo, Ohio. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in theatre from the University of Toledo he went on to earn a doctorate in film and theatre from Bowling Green State University in 2010. His post graduate work explored the depiction of controversial figures Orson Welles and Richard Nixon onstage. He worked as an educator on the University level, teaching theatre at Bowling Green State University and the University of Toledo.

Matthew was a talented actor and director, performing in and helming many notable productions at The Toledo Rep and the University of Toledo over several decades, as well as his own independent productions of playwrights William Shakespeare, Eugène Ionesco and David Mamet. His most recent directorial success was Amadeus at The Toledo Rep earlier this year, a production which received acclaim as well as several award nominations. 

He was also a writer on film and other forms of entertainment for several online publications and appeared on Toledo’s WSPD radio as a critic of popular culture.

Matthew was a Direct Support Professional for Triad Residential Solutions, a position he performed with love and professionalism for several years. 

Matthew had many passions, including writing, cartooning, science fiction, history and games of every kind. He was an avid collector of comic books since childhood. He contributed to the literature on Orson Welles, especially his theatrical work. Matthew was preceded in death by his father Paul, all four of his grandparents, and his first cousin Jonathan Gibbs. He leaves behind his mother Carolyn, Aunt Deborah Ferrel-Joseph and her husband William, Uncle George Gretzinger and his wife Laura, half sister Sue Emahiser (Pete), Half brother Steve Gretzinger, first cousin Rachelle Varnes (Mark), second cousins, and many, many dear friends. He was loved by many and will be missed by everyone who knew him. He truly was a lovely soul.

A memorial gathering will take place on Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm. A memorial service service, honoring Matthew, will take place at 7:00 pm. 

“He was a man, take him for all in all, I shall not look upon his like again.” William Shakespeare, Hamlet

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