Obituary - Staff Sgt. Matthew Nevin Ingham

Staff Sgt. Matthew Nevin Ingham
July 6, 1984 - Jan. 11, 2010

Staff Sgt. Matthew N. Ingham, 25, stationed in Okinawa, Japan, was killed in action Monday, Jan. 11, 2010, along with two of his brother Marines while on patrol in Afghanistan.

He was born in Altoona, son of Gary Ingham and the late Kathryn Cherry Ingham. He married Yasmin Rajpar, also of Altoona, in 2006 in a private ceremony in Spotsylvania County, Va.

Surviving are his wife; his parents, Gary and Tammi Ingham of Altoona; a sister, Monica Ingham of Altoona; his grandmothers: Doris Wantz ("Me Ma") of Altoona and Beryl Horvath of Port Charlotte, Fla.; as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Kathryn; his grandfathers: Nevin Wantz, Norman Cherry and Fred A. Ingham Jr.; and his grandmother, Regina Ingham.

Matthew was a 2002 graduate of Altoona Area High School and the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in July 2002 and served honorably for seven years, achieving the rank of staff sergeant.

Matt was a loving husband, son, brother, grandson and friend. Besides being a dedicated Marine, his passions included motocross, mountain biking and many other outdoor recreational activities. You name it, he did it, and he excelled at it!

Matt truly lived his life in the moment and lived each day as if it would be his last. He pushed his mind, body and spirit to the maximum to meet and surpass his own personal goals and aspirations. He believed in always striving to succeed at a higher level and never acknowledged a limit beyond which he could not achieve. He was a natural-born leader, able to lead by example, as well as foster personal growth in others. He lived daringly, loved unconditionally and learned constantly.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22, 2010, at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, where a public memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010. Immediately after the service, he will be buried with full military honors in a private ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors Foundation through the Department of Navy Gift Fund, Wounded Warrior Regiment, c/o Charitable Donations Coordinator, 3025 John Quick Road, MCB Quantico, VA 22134, or to the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society, 1837 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona, PA 16602.

Arrangements are by the Santella Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.santellafuneralhome.com.