Ryan Andrew DeKorte

Loving father, son, husband, brother, grandson, nephew and friend

He is the wind that blows on a sweet summer day. He is his favorite song that plays in the car when we are having a hard time. He is our life. Petty Officer Third Class, Robert Marquez was born on January 31st, 1987 and from the moment he opened his eyes he was destined for greatness. He truly changed the lives of the people who were lucky enough to know him. Since March 18th, 2017 we find ourselves missing his cheeky kisses, his tight hugs and his laughter that filled the room with joy. We will never forget and will always remember the time he taught his younger sister to drive, the silly times with his mother, and the time he spent with his older brother in Japan. "There's still people in Japan who talk about him and how he helped so many people. Not only for his professionalism, but his character and his heart. His legacy is still there." -Sailor that joined the squadron after he left us. 

We pay tribute to our son Clancy who served honorably in the US Navy for 10 years. He began his service at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, then Rota, Spain, and finally in Manama, Bahrain. We are eternally grateful that God blessed us with this precious son, and he was dearly loved by his brother and sisters, family and friends, and those he worked alongside in the Navy. From the time he was a young boy, he was patriotic and always held those in the military with great esteem. He served our country with great integrity, hard work, and dedication of duty to our country.

In honor and tribute to Kamal Asante’ Green who lost his courageous battle with cancer in 2023. His compassion, service, and kindness touched countless lives. Kamal dedicated nearly a decade of his life at multiple duty stations (including deployment to Djibouti Africa) as a medical and physical therapy technician in the United States Navy while also pursuing a degree in Kinesiology. His dream was to become a Physical Therapist.

Brian was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He relished quality time with loved ones and saw the good in others. With a warm smile and a contagious laughter, Brian exuded positivity. He was kind, empathetic, and caring, and he graciously helped those around him while also looking out for their well-being.  Known for his integrity, he demonstrated a quiet competence and steadfastness. Brian was a shining light who made a profound difference in the lives of many. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy and the Pennsylvania State University, Brian proudly served as a Submarine Officer for more than 32 years. His notable assignments include Commanding Officer, USS Jimmy Carter; Commodore, Submarine Squadron ELEVEN; and as a flag officer, Commander, Submarine Group TWO and Deputy Commander, Second Fleet.  Brian’s decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, and Legion of Merit (five awards).

In loving memory of a life so beautifully lived. William was a kind and loving young man who cared deeply and loved life with all his heart. He loved his family and would do anything for them especially for his mother. We love you so much, William. My love for you goes beyond words, and my heart is broken into pieces. Love always, Mom. 

NEVER FORGOTTEN

Demetrius was so close to 20 years of NAVY service (less than a month) from retirement when he passed away at the age of 38.

I still shoot billiards (Demetrius taught me this game at age 7) in honor of your memory.

It’s amazing to me how much my youngest son Richard favors Demetrius. It’s almost like I still have you in my life at times.

I will never forget you my one and only BROTHER rest in peace until we meet again in GLORY!

Max was smart, kind, adventurous, and so loving and devoted to his family. He was the best son a mom could ever ask for: My Love & My Light. He played goalie in ice hockey and was team captain. He was a drummer and musician, a painter and sculptor. Max loved working with his hands. He earned a BFA and then worked in the movie industry in L.A., creating 3-D monsters and creatures for sci-fi movies. He certainly found his niche in the Navy—working with materials (and his hands here too!)— as an airplane mechanic. Max was usually the first one to go into his squadron to set up tools and equipment for the rest of his group. Because of his supreme commitment and dedication to his work, Max was nominated for Sailor of the Year, after just a year-and-a-half in the Navy. HIs light is truly missed but shines on. 

Darren always knew he wanted to serve his county, especially in the Navy. To follow the path as his grandfather & Stepdad. The true dream was to always fly jets, but honestly, he just wanted to serve to help people, to make a difference. He would always say, "but Mom, everyone loves a guy in uniform". Such a goofball, always looking to make you smile. Darren enlisted in the 2019 as an IT Specialist, served on the USS Carl Vinson with a Pacific deployment in 2021.
We love you son, we miss you more & more each day, as your memory continues to make a difference. From friends here at home, family & shipmates, we will continue to feel your presence in everything we do.
"See you in a minute", Love Mom.

A native of California, Brandon A. Ward began his Naval Service on April 26, 2007. After completion of Basic Training Brandon attended Hospital Corpsman “A” school.

After graduation In November 2007, Brandon transferred to Naval Hospital, Bremerton, Washington. While there he advanced to Petty Officer 3^rd Class.

In March 2010, Brandon reported to Camp Pendleton, California.  While stationed there he achieved the Navy Enlisted Classification of “Fleet Marine Force Corpsman.”

During his tour at Pendleton, Brandon “DOC” successfully completed the necessary rigorous requirements to earn his “Enlisted Fleet Marine Force Warfare Specialist” designation, as well as advancing to 2^nd Class Petty Officer.

Brandon died December 22, 2017 in Jacksonville, North Carolina while he was assigned to the 1^st Battalion, 2^nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

Brandon was posthumously promoted to the rank of Petty Officer 1^st Class, as of December 24, 2017.

Chris entered the Navy on August 13, 2009. Prior to that he was a Navy Midshipman at Iowa State University (ISU) where he attended on a NROTC Scholarship. At ISU he studied engineering and exercise science.  At the end of his junior year, he relinquished his Scholarship and enlisted in the Navy. Eventually he received orders to the USS THACH where he served as an Operations Specialist, and member of the VBSS team (visit, board, search, and seizure) which specializes in counter drug operations and anti-piracy missions. Chris loved the US Navy, and all the people he was fortunate to work with in the Navy. On January 7, 2013 Chris passed away in an accident in San Diego, CA. Of Chris it was said he was “a common man with an uncommon desire to succeed”. Chris helped anyone in need, and was dedicated to his friends, family and his country.

Today, we honor the life and legacy of our son, Joshua Isaiah Ruiz, an E3 in the United States Navy a young man who lived with courage, purpose, and a heart full of love. Joshua wore his uniform with pride, answering a call greater than himself and showing us what true strength, dedication, and selflessness look like each and every day. But beyond the uniform, he is our son—our heart, our pride, and one of our greatest joys. Joshua had a warmth about him that could light up any room. He was kind, strong, and compassionate, always making others feel seen, valued, and deeply cared for. Though his time with us was far too short, the love he gave and the lives he touched will stay with us forever. To know him was truly a gift. Joshua, we carry you with us always in our hearts, in our memories, and in everything we do. We love you; we honor you, always.

Born in Rochester, NY, Jason was an Eagle Scout and gifted athlete in rowing and swimming. Jason placed in the top ten in the 2003 C.R.A.S.H.-B Sprints World Indoor Rowing Championships and was founding captain of the McQuaid Jesuit Crew Team. After graduating Jason attended the US Naval Academy and fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a Naval Aviator. He flew his first operational tour with the Chargers of HSC-26 and provided direct support to the fleet while fly-ing rescue missions in response to the 2010 Haiti Earthquake and mis-sions out of Bahrain. In December 2013 he was chosen to serve as the Operations Cell Leader and Air Operations Office in CTF-64 embarked aboard the Motor Vessel Cape Ray as part of an international task force with the mission to dispose of Syrian chemical weapons agents. Upon completion of this eight month mission, Jason returned to the Africa Engage-ment Directorate in Naples, Italy, where he became an invaluable member of the Africa Partnership team. As a superb ambassador of the Navy and the United States, Jason maintained a professional rapport with African navy leaders that will allow for positive relations for years to come. For this work, Jason was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal posthu-mously. Jason was ambitious, pursuing a Masters Degree in Information Management through Syracuse University and working towards Joint Professional Military Education certification through the Naval War College. He enjoyed traveling, skiing, and playing rugby. Jason was a devoted father and took every opportunity to visit son, William in the United States. Jason was buried in Arlington National Cemetery February 18, 2016. He is survived by son William, parents Paul and Cheryl Kreutter, sister Jennifer Kreutter Conrad, and brother LCDR Adam Kreutter.

Devin loved his family fiercely, especially his infant son, Wyatt. Devin was loyal, kind, funny and smart.  He was an extremely hard worker and highly motivated to do his best each day. Devin had this magical chaos that surrounded him, so that everything he did seemed to become an unforgettable adventure that stories would be told about.  Devin touched so many lives, and each one is better for knowing him. He continues to be an inspiration to others. The world is not as bright without him. 

Scott Michael Dunn my brother and he was born December 26^th 1987. He loved to play in the creek, catch frogs, birds, craw fish and anything else that could be caught. With the outdoors activities Scott also loved tearing down and rebuilding electronics, Science and Gaming. We moved a lot as kids but one thing that never failed was our sibling love. We eventually had a few more additions into the family. Two more brothers (Sean and Robert) and a sister (Amanda). He was our genius. The brains Scott had he used to the upmost. Mom was so proud of him.

Philip joined the Navy a year after graduating high school. He took his oath during a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game and was part of the 47th Cardinal Division at RTC Great Lakes. After all his schooling at NAS Pensacola, Philip was stationed in Norfolk serving aboard the USS Bulkeley, where he was initiated into the, "Ancient Order of the Shellbacks" and earned his Suez Safari card.  

Philip was transferred to CVN-77, USS George HW Bush. Both ships offered Philip the opportunity to support the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq along with humanitarian aid to several ports of call along the way.  

Philip transferred to the United Kingdom where he enjoyed historical sites and spending time outdoors with his Dalmatian Bernie. Returning to Norfolk and CVN-78, USS Gerald R Ford where he became a plank owner. Philip’s final duty station was an instructor for the Information Warfare Command at Goodfellow AF Base. Philip spent 15 yrs. 10 months in the Navy. 

Philip loved to laugh and was very good at playing practical jokes on family and friends. He loved his dogs, visiting National Parks, Historical sites, fishing, hunting, hiking, and cycling. Philip also enjoyed time watching movies, playing video games and having a good cigar. 

He never hated anyone and his philosophy was to never argue with an idiot because those watching might not be able to tell the difference. 

He was a loving son, brother and uncle. His nieces will always remember how much he made them laugh. 

Sean Edward Brazas was a person you could meet only once and never forget. He had a radiating smile and a zest for life that was inspiring. And he was a total goofball in the best way. Try having a bad day around him; it wouldn’t last long. Sean joined the Navy to serve his country and protect his friends and family. He trained hard as a Military Working Dog Handler. He earned the “Top Dawg” honor at an Advanced Skills K9 Course in Yuma. Instructors said Sean was surprised when he earned the award, but no one else was. They said Sean and Sicario trained relentlessly, mastering every challenge, ensuring they were squared away for deployment. Even on his final mission, I can guarantee Sean woke up with a smile, eager to support his team in any way he could. That’s who he was. An American hero.

Jason loved serving his country.  His 3 best qualities were his faith in God, love for his family and service to his country. He served 94-98 Active Duty, 04-16 in the reserves with deployments to Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan. He re-enlisted active duty in 16, and served until he passed away from cardiac arrest. He was a graduate of Liberty University.  

He was truly a sweet child. Very, very laidback and easy going.  The same as an adult too. He loved weight lifting, nutrition and playing his XBox !

Also known for looking a lot like Thor.... to the point that his CO in Japan bought him a Avengers Thor Hammer toy!!  

After visiting Pearl Harbor, Nicholas decided joining Navy was exactly what he wanted to do. He completed boot camp, A school in Pensacola (our hometown) and was assigned to Sasebo, Japan. He loved everything about Japan but especially his fellow sailors and leaders. He was an amazing young man with a huge heart, wise far beyond his years. He excelled in everything he attempted, and we know he would have gone very far in his career. Nick passed away in 2022 after a courageous battle with kidney cancer. Nick's ashes were laid to rest in Destin Harbor, Florida just as he asked. Fair Winds and Following seas my son. You are so missed.

Colin Thomas was one of the strongest most dedicated people we knew. Whatever he did he put 100% into it. He was a loving husband and a fantastic father. There isn’t a day that goes by that we aren’t reminded about how much light and joy he brought into our lives. He is gone but he will never be forgotten.