Retired Naperville Police Officer Dies After Cancer Battle

Retired Naperville Police Officer Richie Joe Matchett has succumbed to a courageous battle with cancer at Edward Hospital in Naperville at approximately 6:45 p.m. August 6, according to a release from the department. Officer Matchett, a 28 year veteran of the Naperville Police Department, retired from the agency on December 13, 2013.

After serving in the United States Army as a military policeman, Officer Matchett continued his career in law enforcement in 1981 as a patrol officer with the Williston, North Dakota Police Department. Subsequently, Officer Matchett joined the Genoa, Illinois police department in 1984.

On July 1, 1985 Officer Matchett accepted an offer to join the Naperville Police Department as an officer. During his Naperville career, Officer Matchett served as a patrol officer, field training officer, police canine officer, traffic officer, member of the honor guard and the advisor to the police department’s explorer post. Officer Matchett was the president of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 42 from 2002-2007.

During his career at the NPD, Officer Matchett received three meritorious unit awards, two chief’s commendations, two supervisor commendations and over 100 letters of appreciation from various schools, police departments and citizens.

Officer Matchett is survived by his parents, Beverly (the late Jerry Long) Grimes of Ashton, IL and Richie (Janell) Matchett of Bismarck, ND; his step-father, Edwin (Norma) Grimes; his step-mother, Donna Matchett; his brothers Les (Rene) Matchett, Travis (Katie) Grimes, and Vince (Hang) Matchett; his loving friend, Roy Alexander; his nieces, Lindsay Matchett, Lauren Matchett, and Jasmin Matchett; his nephew, Tre Matchett; as well as his aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Visitation: Thursday, Aug. 13 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Funeral: Friday, Aug. 14 at 11 a.m.

Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home
44 S. Mill Street, Naperville