Matt graduated from Redbank Valley High School in 2000. He was an outstanding wrestler where he was a PIAA state medalist, placing 7th. He was a member of the St. Charles Catholic Church in New Bethlehem. He loved to visiting and spending time in monasteries and had a special devotion to St. Michael the Archangel.
Matt was also very loved by his friends, to whom he was very loyal and patient. He loved to hunt and spend time in the outdoors, which directly led him into his military career.
Matt served his country as a scout sniper 4 years and 5 months in the Marine Corps with one deployment to Afghanistan and two to Iraq. He then moved to the Navy, where he successfully completed Basic Underwater Demolition/Seal (BUD/S) training and became a SEAL. Matt served 6 year and 7 months as a SEAL, with one national tasking deployment. He was one of the highest trained and capable snipers in the Navy and the Marines. He received two combat action ribbons, an Afghanistan Campaign Ribbon, two Iraq Campaign Ribbons and was an expert riflemen and pistol expert. He was a member of the Walter W. Craig Post 354 of New Bethlehem American Legion.
He is survived by his parents, Gary L. Brinker of DuBois and Linda R. Brinker of Hawthorn, a sister; Melissa Persing and her husband D.J. of Franklin; four brothers, Burton Brinker and his wife Kristin of Silver Spring MD., Bruce Brinker of Pittsburgh, Ben Brinker and his wife Nicki of Distant, and Brandon Brinker and his wife Brandy of Hawthorn. He had many nieces and nephews he enjoyed loving on and showering with gifts and activities.
He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Eugene and Rose Lehner and paternal grandparents, Jay and Ethel Brinker
Final Rest: Hawthorn Cemetery, Hawthorn, PA
#22toomany#OurHeroes are #NeverForgotten
