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Matthew Kevin Rinker

December 16, 1966 - December 25, 2024
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Carey and Bev Johnston
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James Levy
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Jason McPhee
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Anthony & Wanda McPhee
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Nanette Palmer Wahnish
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Roslyn Delos Reyes
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Anne Stewart
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Karina Bolden student from Fleet
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Cristina Garcia
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Karen Taylor
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Momodou & Josephine Bojang
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Momodou & Josephine Bojang
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Service
Rock Spring Congregational Church
5010 Little Falls Rd
Arlington, Virginia 22207
703-538-4886 | Map
Saturday 2/1, 11:00 am

Matthew Kevin Rinker, aged 58, passed away on December 25, 2024. He was born on December 16, 1966 in Washington D.C. to Charles W. Rinker Jr. and Lora A. Rinker. He was a resident of Arlington, Virginia for most of his life and made many friends and connections in the area. He married Stacy onContinue Reading

Anonymous left a message on February 2, 2025:
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Matthew Rinker . Plant a Tree
Carey and Bev Johnston left a message on February 2, 2025:
In memory of Matthew Kevin Rinker, Carey and Bev Johnston lit a candle
Carey and Bev Johnston left a message on February 2, 2025:
Dear Stacy, Paige, Garrett and the entire Rinker family, Bev and I are so sorry for Matt’s passing. The world has lost an amazing person with a generous and warm heart. I remember our times at US TKD with our boys and his reunion concert at Blues Alley. Matt was an amazing musician and friend to all. Our thoughts are with you.
John Stewart left a message on February 2, 2025:
Grateful for the times I got to interact with Matt. He was always kind to me. 1. I played drums behind him a few times in teacher pep rally band, thrown together, just for fun. There was a moment, late in one gig, when Matt decided to elevate the performance. The other two members of the band--bass and rhythm--were almost stunned, and so impressed that they pulled way back to let Matt do his thing. Meanwhile, I, the drummer, was left to keep time to his somehow fifteen-minute long rendition of "Cheap Sunglasses." It was something else, and a memory I'll treasure. 2. My understanding of how rock and roll he was deepened when he joined the staff at Wakefield, and started hosting electronic music and theory classes, full of kids who cared about their grades. He would come to me saying, "Yeah, huh, weird question, but how do I submit grades? And, yeah, what is this AP test they keep talking about?" Bad ass, punk rock, good guy.
James Levy left a message on February 1, 2025:
Dear, dear Matt, I miss you so much.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
James Levy left a message on February 1, 2025:
For my dear friend, Matt Rinker It’s very clear, our love is here to stay.
Jason McPhee left a message on January 31, 2025:
Garett, my sympathy to you and your family. Praying for strength for you all.
Anthony & Wanda McPhee left a message on January 31, 2025:
Praying for Peace, Comfort and Strength for the family. May Matt's Soul Rest In Peace.
Nanette Palmer Wahnish left a message on January 31, 2025:
I met Matt as a guitar master for Stickman. He was so nice and very talented. What a loss for all that knew him but for the music world.
Ana Cristina Gibbons left a message on January 31, 2025:
Needless to say Mr. Rinker was an amazing person. He was my band teacher in middle school from 2008-2011. He inspired me to play and participate in band. He also believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, and asked me to participate in the jazz band for some time. I will never forget playing Gustav Holst’ s “The Planets - Jupiter” in one of our band performances, it was beautiful and so much fun to play! He was always so kind, fun and inspirational to be around. I know he left a lasting memory with everyone he encountered! He will be greatly missed in the educational and music communities.
Roslyn Delos Reyes left a message on January 31, 2025:
My sincere condolences. Praying for the family, friends and loved ones. -Roslyn
Anne Stewart left a message on January 31, 2025:
In memory of Matthew Kevin Rinker, Anne Stewart lit a candle
Carol A Middleton left a message on January 31, 2025:
Matt Rinker was the kindest guy, full of love and joy, always fun to be with. We will always miss him. Heaven will welcome him.
Anonymous left a message on January 30, 2025:
Matt always brought kindness and vitality to DCSDKA and I think everywhere. He is missed.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Matthew Rinker . Plant a Tree
Cindy Joy Gossman left a message on January 29, 2025:
Matt was one of the most kind, good natured, and talented human beings I know. It breaks my heart that none of us will see him again. My deepest condolences to the Rinker family. I made a tribute video in honor of Matt of an epic guitar battle between him and a friend at my Seven Years Good Luck Concert in 2021. It's not the best quality footage but his rockin sound and spirit come through loud and clear- Enjoy! https://youtu.be/BRwIRiRT9SE
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Erik Kamenski left a message on January 26, 2025:
My condolence to Stacy, family and friends. I had the privilege to get to work with Matt. Such a kind, talented, caring and compassionate human. He was truly a great guy, and will be missed. ❤️
Karina Bolden student from Fleet left a message on January 21, 2025:
Mr. Rinker was a great teacher and I’ll never forget all the stuff he helped me with ,with my flute. He was amazing and had a really nice sense of humor. He was always fun to be around and he was always so kind and I will miss him dearly.
Cristina Garcia left a message on January 19, 2025:
Your kindness showed in your brilliant blue eyes and smile!
Jeanette and John Preniczky left a message on January 16, 2025:
Please accept our deepest condolences at the loss of your beloved Matt. We know how he loved you as he spoke so often and so positively about you all
Florist's Choice Bouquet was purchased for the family of Matthew Rinker by Jeanette and John Preniczky.
Loren left a message on January 16, 2025:
You all have my deepest sympathies.🙏🏽 I worked with Matt for most of our careers at Gunston Middle School. His smile and the joy he shared will not be forgotten. God has definitely gained another angel. In comfort and love, Loren
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Jenny Saunders left a message on January 15, 2025:
My first memory of meeting Matt as a staff member at Gunston Middle School was “whoa, that’s a mighty long braid you got there dude!” and that continued to be his signature style for years- until the “chop” As an elective team member, he was always the one with jokes but always caring and empathetic towards us but always on the ready for “the fight” in our rights as a team. I was heartbroken when he left us to go to high school but to me he was always going to remain a hornet. My condolences to Stacy, Paige and Garrett, your pain is unimaginable as your husband and Dad was an amazing human.
Karen Taylor left a message on January 15, 2025:
In memory of Matthew Kevin Rinker, Karen Taylor lit a candle
Keni Thacker left a message on January 15, 2025:
I'll miss you, cousin/brother.
Todd Baker left a message on January 15, 2025:
My condolences to the family. Matt was alway there for anyone who needed help and was an incredible musical force. He always made me smile and made people feel good no matter what the situation. We will all miss him. May he rest in peace. God Bless.
Momodou & Josephine Bojang left a message on January 15, 2025:
In memory of Matthew Kevin Rinker, Momodou & Josephine Bojang lit a candle
Julius "J.D." Spain Sr and Adriana Spain left a message on January 15, 2025:
One of the kindest neighbors we've ever had. Blessed to have known him for the past 16 years.
Momodou & Josephine Bojang left a message on January 15, 2025:
Dear Stacy, Paige, Garrett and the entire Rinker family, We are deeply shocked and devastated by Matt’s passing. Our condolences to you and all of Matt’s family and friends. The world has lost a profoundly amazing individual with a beautiful heart and soul. Matt was a good friend, decent person and always kind and caring. He had a deep love and compassion for his family and music- he loved talking about Stacy, his wonderful children, his family as well as his students. Matt - until we meet again, keep smiling and playing beautiful music! Rest peacefully knowing that your legacy will carry on and your family has a lot of love and support around them. Love, Momodou & Josephine
Jeremy (your bro!) left a message on January 14, 2025:
In memory of Matthew Kevin Rinker, Jeremy (your bro!) lit a candle
Evan Silberman left a message on January 14, 2025:
Matt was one of the stars of Gunston Middle School’s faculty for many years. His patience, intelligence, care, and energy made a big difference to me throughout my time in Gunston’s band program. Mr. Rinker went above and beyond to give opportunities for learning, expression, and growth for his students with things like jazz band, directing musical ensembles for the drama club, and offering guitar and even percussion ensemble. Even if percussion ensemble was partly a way of managing an unusually large and ungovernable cohort of percussionists when I was in seventh grade, it was an experience I’ll always value, culminating in a performance at a Day of Percussion festival. His family has my heartfelt condolences and I will always treasure his memory.
Jennifer Watson left a message on January 14, 2025:
In memory of Matthew Kevin Rinker, Jennifer Watson lit a candle
Cherie Latson left a message on January 14, 2025:
I would like to offer my biggest hugs and condolences to you all. I remember Matt being very fun-loving and involved in our karate school, a very engaged and kind person.
Mary-Hannah Klontz left a message on January 14, 2025:
I send my deepest condolences to Matt’s family. I knew Matt from my years teaching in Arlington and was lucky to have Garrett sing in my choir. Matt was an incredibile musician and teacher. I can’t believe he is no longer with us. Surely he is playing in a heavenly band.
Dara Friel left a message on January 14, 2025:
My deepest sympathies to Matt’s family. Matt was such a great guy and loved life. I wish I could attend the services in person but am out of town that day. Will always miss Matt’s laugh.
Justine Springberg left a message on January 14, 2025:
Dear Family, I didn't know Matt well, but I remember he was a delightful person to find yourself next to in a meeting, whether in person or on Zoom. He seemed so caring and calm, and always had a smile on his face. I am so sorry for your loss. May your many happy memories of time together be a blessing to all of you as you carry him with you into the future. With love, Justine
Roger Bowman left a message on January 14, 2025:
In memory of Matthew Kevin Rinker, Roger Bowman lit a candle
Dara Friel left a message on January 14, 2025:
In memory of Matthew Kevin Rinker, Dara Friel lit a candle
Maria helena left a message on January 14, 2025:
In memory of Matthew Kevin Rinker, Maria helena lit a candle
Andrea R left a message on January 14, 2025:
In memory of Matthew Kevin Rinker, Andrea R lit a candle
Liz Erion left a message on January 14, 2025:
My deepest condolences to family and friends of Matt. I am so saddened by his passing, and will miss seeing him in the neighborhood on his regular walks with Stacy. I will never forget how Matt devoted much time and energy helping to organize a group of APS music teachers and students to perform beautiful music at my mother’s memorial service. Thank you, Matt, for your kindness, generosity, and musical talents; you will be greatly missed by many.
Joe Puzzo left a message on January 14, 2025:
My heart goes out to Matt’s family, friends, and to all the students he taught & folks he worked with throughout his life. Matt was an exceptional musician & teacher. I worked for APS for over 25 years and would periodically see Matt. He was always a friendly and kind guy. He was a tremendously talented and respected teacher. He will be greatly missed. He lives on through all the lives he touched, through the students he taught, the teachers he inspired and anyone who ever heard him play. Matt was a good soul. May he rest in peace.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Elizabeth Kluegel Niblock left a message on January 14, 2025:
I knew Matt and Stacy for most of my growing up years through church. He was always appeared happy, always had a smile or kind work for you, even when he had rough things going on in his own life . We reconnected last year when I began to teach music at APS. I will miss him, his music, his humour, and his kindness.
The Boera Family left a message on January 14, 2025:
Thank you for sharing your love for music with me Mr. Rinker! Condolences to family. Sincerely Christopher Boera
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Matthew Rinker . Plant a Tree
Edgar H. Matthews, Jr. left a message on January 13, 2025:
To the family of Matt Rinker: You have my sincere condolences upon the passing of my friend, Matt. I taught instrumental music, including band and string instruments, at a number of elementary schools in Arlington, including Oakridge, Abingdon, Patrick Henry, Drew and Campbell, and was privileged to know and work with Matt, as well as perform publicly with him and various other instrumental instructors. He was always a very good friend and an excellent teacher. I am deeply saddened to learn of his very untimely passing. May God continue to bless his family and may he rest in peace.
Northern Virginia Burial & Cremation Society left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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