Matthew B. Clinger's Obituary
Marine Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Bruce Clinger, 44, of Stafford, Virginia entered into eternal rest on March 23, 2024.
Left to honor his memory are his wife, Stephanie; children, Brian and Madeleine Clinger and Stella Phelan; parents, Bruce and LynnMarie Clinger; sister, Heather Clinger; grandmother, Eleanor Clinger; mother-in-law, Marie Milazzo; brother-in-law, Peter Milazzo; aunts and uncles, Al and Rosemarie Torromeo and Eugene and Nancy Luciani; and many beloved cousins.
Matthew was born October 11, 1979, and raised in Stafford Springs, CT where he made many lifelong friends. He graduated from Stafford High School Class of 1997. Following high school, he earned a degree in international studies from Norwich University and was an active member of the Corps of Cadets. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps and became an artillery officer. Matthew served three combat tours, two as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller with ANGLICO units in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and as an Operations Officer on the Combined Joint Force Land Component Command staff in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. In addition to other roles within the USMC, Matthew was the Program Manager for Wargaming Capability prior to his retirement in September 2021. Matthew’s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (Gold Star in lieu of second award), Joint Commendation Medal, Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two Gold Stars in lieu of third award), the Army Commendation Medal, the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon. He was a member of the Cavalry Order of the Golden Spur and a recipient of the Order of Saint Barbara, and American Legion Post No. 26 in Stafford, CT. Matthew was currently employed as a Senior Program Manager with G2 Ops, Inc.
Matthew connected with each person in his life in a special way. He loved his family and his friends and cherished the time he spent with them. His infectious smile and laughter will long be remembered. Matthew was passionate about cooking, most notably his skills smoking and barbecuing meats, and hosting parties for his family and friends where he regaled them with many stories and good times.
We are all better for having had Matthew in our lives. We will miss and love him as he assumes his new duty station guarding the gates of heaven.
A funeral mass for Matthew will be held Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Saint Francis of Assisi, 18825 Fuller Heights Rd, Triangle, VA. An inurnment at a later date will occur at Arlington National Cemetery, 1 Memorial Ave., Arlington, VA.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Matthew's name to Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation or St. Francis of Assisi Church.
To leave a condolence online for the family, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com
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