Matthew "Matt" Lawrence Ott

Matthew “Matt” L. Ott, 53, of Great Falls, Montana, passed away on October 31, 2026, Halloween, his favorite holiday, at Benefis Health System in Great Falls. A man of valor and tremendous heart, Matt devoted his life to protecting others, giving generously, and standing beside those who needed someone in their corner.

Matt was born on November 23, 1972, Thanksgiving Day, in Chardon, Ohio, and was raised in Potter County, Pennsylvania. He attended and graduated from Galeton Area School. Early in his childhood, Matt served as an altar boy (8-17), daily masses, every weekend, sacramental, and holiday masses. From childhood, Matt loved making his friends laugh. He played Little League beginning at age eight and continued playing baseball through his senior year, with his father, Jim, alongside him. He also played high school soccer and enjoyed camping with family and friends. At age twelve, he discovered a lifelong enthusiasm for fireworks with his cousin, Chris Ott. In Galeton, a town known for its spectacular Fourth of July celebrations, Matt and Chris happily joined in the tradition.

Fishing and a love of nature were also part of Matt’s life from an early age. Raised in a small town surrounded by older relatives, he treasured visiting their homes, sitting on their porches, and sharing laughter as they told stories of their lives. Those simple moments reflected something that would remain true throughout his life: Matt valued people and made time for them.

At seventeen, Matt joined the US Air Force, beginning twenty-six years of distinguished service to his country. Stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Montana, he trained as an Explosive Ordinance Disposal (E.O.D.) technician, accepting work that demanded exceptional courage, precision, and composure. He earned the prestigious award, “Master Blaster,” along with numerous awards, recognitions, and honors. His service took him to Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Kuwait, Iraq, and assignments across the United States. He achieved the rank of Tech Sergeant before retiring.

Matt’s military accomplishments were a source of well-earned pride. Behind them stood a man willing to shoulder extraordinary responsibility for the safety of others. His strength of character extended far beyond his uniform.

Matt went on to earn a B.S. in Finance, Business, and Management from Park University in Montana, bringing the same determination to his education that he had brought to his military career.

Following his retirement from the Air Force, Matt found another meaningful way to serve through the Uptown Optimist Club of Great Falls, part of Optimist International. Its mission of offering hope and bringing out the best in young people and communities spoke to his generous spirit. He served on the club’s board and remained deeply involved in the Great Falls community for many years. The friendships and purpose he found there became an important part of his life as he continued giving his time, energy, and heart to others.

Those who knew Matt repeatedly described him as one of the most giving people they had ever known. He was the kind of man who would thank you for being his friend, and then give you countless reasons to be grateful for his friendship. He cared deeply, showed up, and understood that kindness carried a responsibility to act.

That same care made him a determined advocate for the “little guy.” Matt was willing to speak up, hold people accountable, and stand for what was right when someone was being overlooked or treated unfairly. His big heart and his courage worked together: when people needed help, he wanted to make a difference.

Even in his passing, Matt’s generosity continued. Through organ donation, he was able to save the lives of 5 people and help improve the quality of the lives of several others. A final, profound act of service from a man who had spent so much of his life caring for others.

Matt is survived by his parents, Sharleen “Lee” and James “Jim” Close; sisters, Laura Cassell and Vanessa (Charles) Hajzus; nephew, Alexander Hajzus; and his nieces, Natalie, Saorsa, and Sophia Hajzus, all of Ponte Vedra, Florida. He is also survived by his son, Devon Ott; aunts and uncles, Sandra and Kenneth Fife of Madison, Ohio, Gary Ott of Middlefield, Beverly and Karl Marvel of Florida; and Angie and Nick of Orefield, Pennsylvania; great-aunt, Delores Tomay of Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania; and many cousins.

All are welcome to attend Matthew’s services. A viewing will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 5, 2026, followed by the funeral mass at 11:30 a.m., both at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 201 44th Street S, Great Falls, Montana 59405. Family and friends are invited to gather, to share stories of Matt’s life immediately following his mass. Burial with military honors will take place at Mount Olivet Cemetery (Veterans Memorial) at 3:00 p.m. in Great Falls, with Father Philip presiding.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Uptown Optimist Club, 112 Central Avenue, Great Falls, MT 59401, or mailed to P.O. Box 462, Great Falls, MT 59403. For more information, visit www.uptownoptimist.com.

Matt will be remembered with deep love—for his laughter, his bravery, his generous heart, and the many people whose lives were better because he was part of them.Holy Spirit Live Streaming