Quantico National Cemetery

05/25/2026

05/15/2026

Our hometown hero being recognized today is SP4 Reinhold Tietz of the U.S. Army.

Ron Tietz, a decorated Vietnam War veteran, passed away peacefully in his home March 19 in Ruther Glen, Virginia, after years of managing congestive heart failure. He was surrounded by family: his wife, his daughter, and his sister. He was 77.

Ron was the oldest of four children born to the late Lina and Herbert Tietz. He was born in Nuremberg, Germany, in 1948, after the conclusion of World War II. His family moved to Canada when Ron was a boy, and then to the United States during adolescence. He attended trade school in Germany during his teens.

Ron was a proud veteran who served in the United States Army 9th Infantry Division during the Vietnam War. Injured in combat, he was awarded the Purple Heart medal for his service.

Following the war, Ron worked as a painter and maintenance mechanic at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory. In total, he spent 33 years in the service of the Government of the United States.

Ron was an enormous presence in the lives of his family and friends both from his height of 6 feet 6 inches and his affable nature. He delighted in play time with his young granddaughter, Hayley, and was always up for a game of darts with his children, nieces, and nephews. A visit with him never ended before he inquired about how others not present were doing. He made it clear he cared deeply about his large, extended family.

He enjoyed and excelled at sports, especially golf, bowling, and skiing. He was an avid golfer who was always eager to discuss his latest round. Ron spent many years in bowling leagues and even boasted a perfect game. He skied throughout Canada, the American West, and Europe, and has said his favorite ski trip was to Davos, Switzerland, shortly after he was married.

He and his wife of 47 years, Patricia (Harvey) Tietz, often talked about how blessed both were to meet each other through mutual friends at an Oktoberfest in Maryland.

Ron is survived by his wife, Patricia Tietz; his daughter, Christine Tietz; his son, Michael Tietz; his daughter-in-law, Amy Jacks; his granddaughter, Hayley Tietz; his sisters, Edeltraud Campbell, Ursula Wells, and Erika Dameron; as well as many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

SP4 Tietz will be laid to rest today in section 82 site 60.

https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/REINHOLDHARTMUTTIETZ/ac1fb8

05/08/2026

Our Hometown Hero being recognized is Major Matt Marshall Sr.

Matt Johnston Marshall, Sr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and proud Marine, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2026, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, at the age of 89.

Born on December 20, 1936, in North Carolina, Matt lived a life defined not by recognition but by quiet strength, integrity, deep Christian faith, and unwavering dedication to those he loved and the country he served.

Before his military service, Matt attended Old Dominion University, where he was a standout baseball player. He held the university’s career batting average record from 1959 until 1984—an achievement he carried with characteristic humility, rarely, if ever, speaking of it.

Matt went on to serve his country honorably in the United States Marine Corps, retiring after 20 years of distinguished service. During the Vietnam War, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor for heroic actions in combat. True to his nature, Matt never spoke of this honor, and even his family only came to learn of it later in life—a testament to his humility and selflessness.

A man of strong Christian faith, Matt loved God and lived his beliefs with quiet conviction and grace. His life reflected compassion, humility, and a steady moral compass that guided his family and all who knew him.

His greatest love was his wife of 65 years, Susan Hodges Marshall. Their marriage was a lifelong partnership built on devotion, faith, and unwavering commitment. Together, they built a family and a home grounded in love and strength.

Above all else, Matt was a family man. He is lovingly remembered by Susan; their children: Beth DeRidder and her husband, Scott; Matt Marshall, Jr. and his wife, Michelle; Jennifer Barr and her husband, Billy; and Edward Marshall and his wife, Christina. He also leaves behind 13 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren who will carry forward his legacy of faith, quiet strength, kindness, and love.

Matt was preceded in death by his siblings, whose memories he cherished throughout his life.

A man of few words but immense character, Matt’s life was a powerful reminder that true greatness is often found not in what is said, but in what is done. Interment will take place at Quantico National Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest with the full honors he so humbly earned.

Major Marshall will be laid to rest today in Section 82 site 54.

https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/MATTJOHNSTONMARSHALLSR/ac4cdf

05/06/2026

04/24/2026

Our hometown hero being recognized today is 1LT Ismael Castro of the U. S. Army.

Mr. Castro is a veteran of the U. S. Army who served from 1965 to 1967 during the Vietnam era. His last known rank was 1LT. 1LT Castro will be laid to rest today in section 82, site 73.

https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/ISMAELCASTRO/ac1d96

04/10/2026

Our hometown hero being recognized today is TSGT Albert Firth of the U. S. Air Force.

Albert J. Firth Jr. “Al”, age 86, of Millsboro, Delaware, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home with his family on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

He was born on October 18, 1939, in Chester, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Dr. Albert J. Firth and Irene T. (Gibson) Firth.

Al graduated from Ridley Township Senior High School, Class of 1957, and later earned an associate degree from NVCC in Criminal Justice.

He proudly served his country for 20 years in the United States Air Force, achieving the rank of Technical Sergeant. Following his military service, Al continued his dedication to public service with a 20-year career as a Special Agent with the U.S. Capitol Police, serving on the Dignitary Protection Team.

Al was married to Barbara J. Firth for 42 years, and they remained lifelong friends.

He enjoyed ballroom dancing, model railroading, and watching movies. A devoted football fan, Al considered himself the number one Washington Redskins fan and faithfully supported the Washington Commanders. He loved spending time near or on the ocean. His passion for prison ministry inspired him to continually help those in need, and one of his greatest joys was singing in the Sussex County Gospel Choir.

Al is survived by his best friend and former wife, Barbara J. Firth; his sister, Audrey Novotny (John); his son, Jim Firth (Anne); his daughter, Diana Firth; his daughter-in-law, Marybeth Firth; his grandchildren, Ian (Monica), Colin, Taryn, and Cait; his great-grandchildren, Abril and Savannah; as well as extended family Vanessa, Mike, Izumi and Kai Hara.

He was preceded in death by his son, Lawrence E. Firth “Larry”, and his brother, Charles E. Firth “Ed”.

TSGT Firth will be laid to rest today in the Columbarium, wall 4 niche E-60.

https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/ALBERTJFIRTHJR/ac01c3

03/25/2026

03/20/2026

Our hometown hero being recognized today is CPL Charles Amato of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, Charles was the son of the late Anthony Michael Amato and Katherine (Lembo) Amato. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Nita, and his sister Gladys.

Charles was a graduate of Brooklyn Technical High School and studied at CW Post College, NY. He enjoyed a prestigious career of over 30 years with NY Telephone Company and AT&T. Charles volunteered for the United States Marine Corps and served in the Korean War. During his service, he bravely fought in the Chosin Reservoir Campaign, which is known as one of the fiercest battles in Marine Corps history. Charles served as President of the Korean War Veterans Association Chapter 128. He enjoyed researching genealogy, astronomy, completing the Daily NY Times Crossword puzzle, and was an avid fan of the New York Giants and the New York Mets. Charles loved nothing more than spending time with his family and sharing humorous stories.

Charles is survived by his son, Gregory Amato and wife Donna; three daughters, Stephanie Scheff and husband, Bill, June Amato and husband, Larry Darst, and Melanie Miller and husband, Stephen; five grandchildren, Todd, Lindsey, Tony, Lyz, and Alex; and was “Papa Charlie” to six great-grandchildren: his nephew John Sheehan and his nieces, Cathy Sheehan and Mary Sheehan.

CPL Amato will be laid to rest today in section 82 site 133.

https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/CHARLESANTHONYAMATO/ab8ac9

02/20/2026

Our hometown hero being recognized today is LTC Warren Taylor of the the U.S. Army.

Warren B. Monroe Taylor was born on May 7, 1948, to Willie B. Taylor and Irene Harris Taylor in Como, Mississippi. He was raised in a large and close-knit family that included siblings Archie Willie, Wilfred Earnest, Geraldine Gestavia, and Roxie Ella; later joined by James Earl, Sandra Mattie, and Ronald Edd.

Warren graduated from Venice High School in Venice, Illinois in 1966. He went on to pursue higher education at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois, where he completed the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army in 1970.

An accomplished scholar throughout his academic years, Warren demonstrated strong abilities in public speaking, business acumen, and leadership. Even at a young age, he displayed an entrepreneurial talent, establishing a local barber business while still in high school—recognizing a need in the Madison community of Eagle Park where he grew up. Gifted with words and language, Warren enjoyed spirited conversations and was known for his thoughtful, engaging presence.

While attending Western Illinois University, Warren worked at the campus student center, where his leadership skills quickly distinguished him. He advanced to the role of student manager, reflecting the trust and respect he earned from the campus staff. Following graduation, he entered active duty service in the United States Army.

Warren served his country with honor and distinction, progressing successfully through the ranks to Lieutenant Colonel before retiring after a dedicated military career. His service included assignments in Germany and Korea, as well as installations throughout the United States, including Fort Benning; Fort Eustis; Lee Hall Station; Fort Lee; Quantico; and the Pentagon. Throughout his career, he exemplified discipline, decisiveness, courage, and unwavering integrity—setting high standards for himself and those he led.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Warren was a man of personal strength and deep conviction. At an early age, he came to know the Lord and disciplined himself to be in God’s Word every day. He believed firmly in personal responsibility, hard work, and setting clear goals, choosing to model these values through his daily actions. At the same time, his strength extended beyond command and structure. He was deeply protective of his family and quietly devoted to those he loved.

Warren valued knowledge, education, and lifelong learning. He often said, “Education is liberation,” believing reading to be a gateway to growth and opportunity. After retiring from the military, he entered a post-military career in book sales, opening Books Are Fun and Books And Beyond in Ladysmith, Virginia. His bookstore became a place of enjoyment and purpose, allowing him to place books—and encouragement—into the hands of both young and old, and, when the moment called for it, to share his faith in Jesus Christ.

Though he held high expectations and believed strongly in discipline, Warren’s guidance shaped resilience, ambition, and perseverance in those he raised and mentored. He was proud yet never pretentious; serious when it mattered, with an exuberant sense of humor; and always focused on a person’s character rather than outward appearances. Whether inspiring students to value education, encouraging others to pursue their goals, or living with quiet composure, he consistently modeled integrity, service, intellect, and courage—often without realizing the depth of his influence.

In addition to his parents, Warren was preceded in death by his brothers Wilfred Earnest (Mae Dean) and James Earl (Dorothy); brothers-in-law Jerome (Kazuko), Joe, Tyrone (Cathy), and George Peeples; sisters-in-law Jeanette (Robert), Shirley, and Dorothy; and one niece, Carla Zanette Peeples.

He leaves to cherish his memory of his loving wife and soulmate of many years, Sarah C. Jenkins Taylor, whom he met while in college. From this union were born two daughters, Rochelle Eileen Taylor and Denise Tanya Louise Taylor. He is also survived by his siblings Archie Willie Taylor; Geraldine Gestavia Taylor; Roxie Taylor Perry (James); Sandra Mattie Taylor; and Ronald Edd Taylor (Amanda), along with a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and friends.

LTC Taylor will be laid to rest today in section 81 site 154.

https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/WARRENMONROETAYLOR/abaa57