Mario Espino

From an early age it was clear that Will was destined to serve in the military.  He was simply built to protect. He was a highly intelligent young man who had a photographic memory.  He joined the Navy in January 2014.  He scored a 98 on the ASVAB and was offered anything he wanted.  He chose sonar and was the honor grad in A School.  He served his entire career aboard the USS Chafee, DDG 90.  He was well trained in martial arts and was also on the Anti-Terrorist Team. In his final deployment in 2017 there was a total casualty of the Array. It was unspooling and about to be lost at sea. He devised a way to reverse and repair the issue and was able to retrieve the invaluable equipment, put it back in service and affording the ship the ability to return to Pearl Harbor solo without delay. Today, every ship in the Navy has a manual with this procedure under his name.  The Navy named the Winch Room that houses the Array aboard the Chafee in Will's honor. 

He left behind his wife Whitney and newborn son Connor, who was only 6 weeks old at his passing, as well as a family who misses him each and every day. He made a difference in the lives of everyone he touched.  He further left a legacy of honor, dedication, valor and military bearing for his time served in the US Navy.

Matt was a soft spoken man who cared deeply for his family.  He loved hunting. One of his best friends in the Navy said what he remembered about Matt was his infectious laugh.  We were so proud of Matt’s achievement's and just knew he had a great future ahead of him.  Matt had a fierce pride in his service with the Navy.  Although we lost him too soon, along with the deep pain of his loss, we have a great pride in the man he had become through his family and his service.  

Timothy Matthew McGowan (IW/SW) enlisted in the Navy in 2012, and at the time of his death (2025) he was a Senior Chief for Cryptologic Technician Collection (CTRCS). He was awarded during his service three Navy Achievement Medals and one Joint Service Commendation Medal. He served on two deployments, with the first for the Global War on Terrorism, and on the second he earned a Realm of the Arctic certificate. Tim served on the USS Arleigh Burke and USS Oscar Austin, and worked at CWG-67 on multiple tours including as command career counselor. His last service medal earned was the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. 

Hayden is a beloved son, brother, and friend to more than can be counted. He proudly served two extensive deployments on the USS Abraham Lincoln protecting our country. He has been known throughout his life in and outside of service as one of the kindest, most thoughtful, and authentic human beings. He is exceptionally proud of his love for his family, commitment to the Navy and his placement on Seal Team Ten. While he is intensely missed on this earth, he will be carried in our hearts forever. 

CE1 (Construction Electrician) Tito L. Ruiz was born in the Philippines on April 2, 1974.  He graduated from Radford High School in 1993 and joined the Navy in January 19, 1999. 

His duty stations includes U.S. Naval Support Unit, State Department, NSA/NIOC Hawaii, NCTS FE Yokosuka, NMCB1 Gulfport Mississippi, and NCTS FE Det Sasebo where he served as the Base Communication Assistant Manager. 

CE1 Tito Ruiz is survived by his wife, Melody Ruiz and they have 3 children ( Fiona, Ysabella and Tj)

Jason D Jablonski, (‘JJ’), Orchard Park, NY, had the innate ability to be both encouraging and commanding as a leader. At a young age, he recognized that with hard work and dedicated effort, he could accomplish whatever goals he set for himself excelling in high school and at the United States Naval Academy accumulating multiple athletic and academic awards leading his athletic teams being voted captain of every team he played on. A a true leader who always put the team above self, in August 2016, just prior to his Senior year at USNA, JJ was diagnosed with Leukemia. In mid-November he learned he had been granted his first-choice service assignment to be commissioned as a Naval Aviation Officer upon the 2017 graduation. However, on November 27, 2016, due to complications related to his leukemia treatment, Jason passed away peacefully at the age of 21 surrounded by family and friends after being ‘pinned’ with Navy Pilot wings. He left behind his loving parents, Joe and Lori, two older sisters, Janelle and Casey, a dedicated girlfriend, teammates, company-mates, and an incredible number of friends.  In his Advanced Directives, he indicated the desire to address the unique needs of AYAs who are diagnosed with cancer, a Fellowship has been launched to fulfill his wishes.

John A Deltoro, a wonderful son, brother, husband, and father. He lit up any room he entered with his smile and sense of humor. His laugh was infectious. He loved his children with his whole heart. They were his world and he made sure they, and his wife Heather, never went without. John and his sister Sarah had an unbreakable bond. He and his brother in law Philip were more like brothers than in laws. John and his brother James enjoyed spending time together. John always checked in on his mom and stepdad Carl, his dad and stepmom Kathy(although in our family, "step" wasn't a word), and other family members. He loved football and was a die hard Georgia Bulldawgs fan. He enjoyed woodworking and was an avid gamer. John was proud to be a member of the United States Navy and felt honored to serve his country. He is loved and missed by all he touched.

Petty Officer 1^st Class Brian Richard Stead was born on the Northshore of Boston on January 17, 1990. He grew up amongst a large and loving family and group of friends.

After college Brian enlisted in the Navy, wanting to be part of the world’s greatest team. He served proudly from 2013 until 2024. In the course of those 11 years, he achieved the rank of Petty Officer 1^st Class and earned several medals and accommodations. In November of 2021 Brian married Reiko Suzuki and in June of 2023 welcomed a beautiful daughter, Emi Stead. Sadly in April of 2024 we lost Brian as he was serving in the Navy. He is missed by all that knew him, we have all lost a fine man. He will forever be in our hearts. It is with pride that Brian served our nation.

We love and miss you to the moon and back. Rest in peace-Mom, Dad, Brothers and Sister

James was a very caring person. He volunteered at the USO in Guam before he passed away. He broke his wrist when he was in high school and we were driving 30 miles from home one day and blew a tire. He would not let me change the tire. He told me his casts were so hard it did not hurt to change the tire. I and his brother miss him so much. We love you James Dyer!!!

#Peter the 3rd borne child of 5 & 1st of 3 sons that has enlisted into the United States Military. Both of his two older brothers joined the service ranks of the United States Army Rangers & United States National Guards men.  A Lover of the ocean. Peter was motivated by his grandmother to enlist in the United States Navy & served 6 years. He sailed the seas on three different Nimitz-class aircraft carriers. Following the 3 Nimitz-class Peter was stationed and worked the HSG-3 at NAS North Island, in San Diego, CA and lastely the Wasp Amphibious assault ship of the USS Makin Island LHD-8~IYASOYAS He has traveled many voyages to distant lands. To setting sails asea humbled by nature , a Kind Soul. Peter had Heart! A big Heart at that A rare breed of his time A lover in his own right . He expected nothing less than that of the same Love & Kindness in return.. Just an all around kinda guy. He was a world traveler, a reason to smile ,and an inspiration to be a better. Peter’s legacy will be honored as we celebrate his life & live everyday as he did. Thank you, Peter for your Service to our country and for your Sacrifices for our freedom. May the seas lie smooth before you. May a gentle breeze forever fill your sails. May sunshine warm your face, And kindness warm your soul. # FOREVERPETER♥  ♥mom ~Fair winds and Following seas, shipmate, we have the watch.

Jake was raised in Tyngsboro, MA and later moved to Plymouth, MA. Jake was excited to join the US Navy after realizing that college wasn't for him. He started his service in Groton, CT at the Naval Submarine Base where he made many friends and eventually was stationed at Pearl Harbor.

He loved video games, Pokemon, painting Warhammer figures, skiing, time with his friends and family, and his dog Evie. He had a talent for drawing and a great Christopher Walken impression. His family misses his boisterous laugh, quirky humor and sparkling green eyes. Jake was 24 at the time of his passing. 

Captain DeConto, a Sandwich MA native, was killed during the 9/11 Terrorist Attack on the Pentagon while on duty in the Navy Command Center. Captain DeConto was a dedicated Naval Officer who was respected and admired by those he served for and by those that served for him. He was a high-spirited , caring person who enjoyed many activities, one of which was running, and he enjoyed them most when they were shared with friends and family. His Navy career took him all over the world but he returned to Cape Cod whenever he could, and he spent the weekend before 9/11 in Sandwich with family and friends. The Captain DeConto Memorial Scholarship Fund was set up in his memory to honor him and the legacy he left behind which is one of service to his county, leadership, friendship and love of life and family.

Navy Ensign John R. Elliott, a graduate of the United States Naval Academy Class of 2000 (born November 17, 1977, died July 22, 2000) was killed in a head-on collision with a drunken driver while driving home from Annapolis, MD to Egg Harbor Township, N.J. for his mother’s birthday celebration.  The son of Bill and Muriel Elliott, Ensign Elliott, was preparing to enter Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fla. that fall.

In his memory, John’s Law in NJ requires police to impound the cars of drunken drivers for 12 hours. The John R. Elliott HERO Campaign www.herocampaign.org promotes the use of designated drivers nationwide in partnership with schools, colleges, bar and tavern owners, police and NFL and MLB teams. The Capstone Character and Leadership Seminars are also offered at the Naval Academy in memory of Ensign Elliott. He was laid to rest with military honors at the Naval Academy Cemetery.

We called him Joey, just a young man from Akron, Ohio. A kid that was a Boy Scout and loved playing in the High School Marching Band at Akron Manchester High School, Joey has 2 brothers and 3 sisters. The oldest is Dan Ashley Jr., he played football in High School and the youngest brother is Benjamin Ashley. We were real proud of Joseph going into the service for his education and he loved what he was doing and always wanted to hear about his brother that was going into the Army, Benjamin. As a parent I was happy just to hear his voice every time he called home, Joey was just a small town country boy that loved his family and friends, and loved his God and Country.  

Cameron was born in Natchitoches, LA and graduated from North-western State University. He was a Naval Flight Officer. He loved his time in the Navy, 3 cruises and made lots of wonderful friends.

Survived By: Parents: Evan & Margaret Hall, Catie Hall, Michael Hall

Keith grew up in the Philadelphia and Cheltenham areas of Pennsylvania.  Keith was an avid Xbox gamer, he also played volleyball, ran track and cross-country. He married Sidra in 2011 and they resided in Ewa Beach, Oahu, Hawaii. Keith's Navy career began in 2009. He received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal, five Navy achievement medals,  and Navy Unit Commendations. Keith was a quiet,  gentle soul who loved his family, friends also his canine family Keiko and Chichi. We thank God for the short and precious years he allowed you to be with us. We will miss Keith, but you remain in our hearts.

Civil Engineer Corps, USN

United States Merchant Marine Academy

26 SEP 1982 - 27 MAR 2009

It was a privilege for Frankie to serve his country. Frankie was the heartbeat of our family. We all inspire to honor him with our daily actions and words that demonstrate the integrity and courage he showed with his actions.

Survived By: Brooke Toner, Frank Toner III, Rebecca Toner and family