Matthew Kantor

Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew G. Kantor, age 22, of Gillette, New Jersey, died on November 1, 2012, supporting stability operations in Zabul, Afghanistan.

He died as a result of a gunshot wound suffered in combat. 

Matthew Kantor was assigned to an East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare unit in Virginia Beach, Virginia. 

Matthew graduated from Watchung Hills Regional High School in June of 2008, where he was a member of the Cross Country and Track and Field teams, earning the Coaches Award. He also was on the Fencing team.

He enlisted in the United States Navy on March 9, 2009 and graduated from Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois on May 8, 2009. He completed Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL School in Coronado, California, in May of 2010. He served in an East Coast based Special Warfare Unit from May 2010 to November 2012.

Light a candle for Matthew.
Light his way to Heaven. 

Matthew's awards include the Bronze Star medal (with ‘V’ device), Purple Heart medal, Combat Action ribbon, Navy Commendation medal, Good Conduct medal, National Defense medal, Afghanistan Campaign medal, NATO medal, Navy Expert Pistol Shot medal and the Navy Expert Rifle Shot medal.

Matthew is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his parents Mary Jane and Kenneth Kantor; his sister, Alyssa; and his brother, Kristopher. 

Thank you for serving, Matthew. 

Let us pray that Matthew Kantor is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.