Matthew "Matt" Reiss, 65, of Bethlehem, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, June 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was the loving husband of Anita (Faust) Reiss, with whom he shared over 32 years of marriage. Matt will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

A 1979 graduate of Liberty High School in Bethlehem, Matt was a proud product of the Lehigh Valley's rich wrestling tradition. His talent and determination were evident early on, earning him a place on the PIAA state podium during his high school years and setting the stage for an extraordinary collegiate career.

In March 1980, as an unseeded 18-year-old true freshman at North Carolina State University, Matt achieved what few could have imagined, capturing the NCAA National Championship at 167 pounds. In doing so, he became the first NCAA National Champion in NC State wrestling history. His victory helped establish the foundation of the program's success and remains a defining moment in Wolfpack wrestling history. Matt went on to become a two-time ACC Champion and finished his collegiate career with an impressive record of 51-10. In recognition of his accomplishments and lasting impact on the sport, he was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and the Pennsylvania Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Following his competitive wrestling career, Matt returned home to the Lehigh Valley, where he continued to build a life rooted in hard work and family. Whether helping manage Faust Family Produce or operating Reiss Home Improvements, he brought the same determination and discipline that had carried him to a national title, earning the respect of everyone who worked alongside him.

Matt remained deeply connected to wrestling throughout his life as a respected PIAA Wrestling Official and wrestling coach, having coached at Bethlehem Catholic High School and later at Dieruff High School. He generously shared his knowledge and passion with young athletes, giving back to the sport that shaped him and leaving a lasting impact on countless wrestlers he mentored over the years. Outside of wrestling, he enjoyed time on the water boating and fishing and also found joy in bowling and golfing with family and friends.

Above all, Matt's greatest pride was his family. His love, guidance, and steady presence will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

He is survived by his wife, Anita (Faust) Reiss, his sons, Matthew Reiss and his wife Sarah, and E. Hunter Reiss; his daughters, Maryann Barlow and her husband Zach, and Jacqui Muniz; and his grandchildren, Beau Barlow, Beckett Barlow, and Mason Muniz.

He is also survived by his sisters, Betty Jane Baillie and her husband Douglas, and Nancy Marstellar. Matt held a deep and special bond with his many nieces and nephews, who were an important and cherished part of his life, as were his extended family and in-laws. He will be lovingly remembered by all who were fortunate to know him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Elizabeth "Betty" Reiss, and his brother-in-law, Glen Marstellar.

A Memorial Service to honor Matt's life and legacy will be held at 11 A.M. on Monday, June 29, 2026 at Grace Church Bethlehem, 4301 Hecktown Rd., Bethlehem, PA 18020. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. at the Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, 500 Linden Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018. A memory tribute may be placed at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in support of the wrestling programs that were meaningful in Matt's life, including the Hurricane Wrestling Club, in support of Liberty Hurricane Wrestling. Checks may be made payable to Hurricane Wrestling Club and sent to 2106 Aster Road, Bethlehem, PA 18018, or to the Bob Guzzo Wrestling Scholarship through the NC State Wolfpack Club. This scholarship supports student-athletes and continues the legacy of wrestling and mentorship that Coach Bob Guzzo dedicated his life to building and that had a lasting impact on Matt and so many others in the sport: Wolfpack Club, PO Box 37100, Raleigh, North Carolina 27627, https://gopack.evenue.net/www/ev_ncsu/ss/ev/DonationEntry?donationCd=END-WR-GUZZO&siteId=ev_ncsu&locale=en_US&linkID=ncsu&orchBypass=1