It is with deep sadness that KS Associates, Inc. announces the passing of John Matricardi, P.E., on March 8, 2025. John was not only a remarkable Coastal Engineer but also a visionary whose contributions to the firm and the community will be felt for generations to come.
John joined KS Associates through the acquisition of his company, Matrix Engineering, Inc., in 2013. With this acquisition, KS Associates formed the KS Coastal Engineering Group, an initiative that began with John as its sole member. His dedication, technical expertise, and leadership laid the foundation for what is now a thriving team of Coastal Engineers who continue to make significant impacts in the Great Lakes region.
Only a few months after John joined KS Associates, the firm contracted with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to provide engineering services for a major lakefront reconstruction project in the City of Cleveland. Under a design-build arrangement, KS Associates contributed to the rehabilitation of the armor stone revetment, bike trail, and protective railing at Gordon Park, helping to repair damage caused by erosion and the effects of Super Storm Sandy.
Over the next seven years, until John retired in April 2019, the company amassed a significant portfolio of work, developing lasting relationships with coastal clients — from Ohio’s Lake Erie Islands in the north, to Conneaut in the east, and as far west as Michigan providing coastal engineering services for the Port of Detroit. In fact, it is hard to travel along any stretch of Ohio’s 300-mile Lake Erie shoreline without passing a project touched in some way by John.
John’s work has left an enduring mark on the region’s coastal infrastructure, ensuring the health and longevity of public and private waterfront assets. His work has directly contributed to the resilience and protection of Lake Erie’s shoreline, benefiting countless residents and businesses. John also paved the way for young professionals to build thriving careers in coastal engineering, mentoring the next generation and ensuring the field continues to grow with skilled and passionate engineers.
Beyond his professional achievements, John was a mentor and friend to many. He was known for his generosity in sharing knowledge, his unwavering dedication to excellence, and his ability to inspire those around him. Colleagues and clients alike admired his no-nonsense approach to problem-solving and his ability to navigate complex challenges with technical acumen, sharp wit, and deep insight.
“John’s impact on KS Associates cannot be overstated,” said Lynn Miggins, P.E., president of KS Associates. “His vision and leadership turned a one-person initiative into a dynamic and skillful group. His contributions will continue to shape our company’s legacy and the broader community for years to come. We are grateful for the time we had with him and will honor his memory by continuing the work he so passionately championed.”
KS Associates extends its heartfelt condolences to John’s family, friends, and colleagues. His absence will be deeply felt, but his legacy will endure through the countless projects he helped bring to life and the many people he mentored and inspired. KS Associates encourages those who knew John to reflect on his profound contributions and the positive impact he had on both the engineering community and the region.
About KS Associates, Inc.
KS Associates, Inc. is an engineering and land surveying firm that provides planning, design, and construction phase services. We specialize in coastal engineering; site development engineering for institutional, commercial, and residential uses; engineering services to improve potable water, wastewater and storm water systems; and land surveying and mapping including 3D laser scanning. Our mission is to deliver high-quality, value-added engineering and surveying services to meet the unique needs of our clients. For more information visit: www.ksassociates.com.
