Matthew John Giraldes

Matthew John “Yanni” Giraldes, 34, was born September 11, 1991, in Fresno, California, and passed September 4, 2026. He resided in Clovis, California. Matthew will be remembered with deep respect for a life marked by steady purpose, quiet strength, and faithful devotion to the people and principles he held close.

Matthew served proudly in the United States Marine Corps, he enlisted at 17 years old, completed 4 years of active duty, and reenlisted as a reservist for the remainder of his life. His dedication to the Corps was of the highest standards. By all accounts of those who served alongside him, Staff Sergeant Matthew Giraldes strove to envelope what it means to be a United States Marine. His work ethic and ability to be a subject matter expert at his craft maintained the highest levels of trust from his subordinates and superiors alike. He was nothing short of a great Marine, and his passing shall be remembered always as a great loss to the United States Marine Corps.

While serving in the Marine Corps reserves, his civilian job was at BMW where he worked as an automotive technician. Matthew loved all things cars and trucks. By being in the reserves as a mechanic, and getting to work on BMWs, he was able to pursue both of his dreams & talents simultaneously.

He always lended a helping hand to anyone in need. He welcomed everyone with open arms no matter the timing or place. He was the life of the party, made you smile when you needed it, and lived life to the fullest.

He was a member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church, where he met lifelong friends, with whom he Greek danced, and continued his faith and culture education and upbringing. Matthew embodied the spirit of Kefi, and never shied away from being the first to the dance floor or the person manning the grill. From a young age he was always ready and willing to serve the church. He served as an alter boy for many years at St. George, and continued to serve the faith while in the Marine Corps. Immediately stepping in to assist the alter during his time in boot camp at Camp Pendleton.

Matthew is survived by his mother, Carre McDonough; his father, Michael Giraldes; his brothers, Sean Douglas McDonough, Patrick James McDonough, and Kris Giraldes; and his sisters, Christina McDonough and Nicole Giraldes. Matthew is also survived by two sister in laws, Lauren and Sophia. Sophia spent many years living with Matthew, and was someone he really cared for and respected. Lauren, while the time she knew Matthew brief, was able to connect with Matthew on a deep level. Supporting each other through talking about shared experiences on long deployments and their shared time in service. As well as his cherished grandparents, Yiayia & Opa, Clio and Ben Weber.

He was blessed to become both a Theo ‘Uncle’ & Nouno ‘God Parent’ and is survived by his God children Sammy and Selena Venegas and his nephew Braxton Nicholas McDonough.

A Trisagion service will be held at Saint George Greek Orthodox Church, 2219 N Orchard St, Fresno, CA 93703, on September 22, 2026, at 6:00 pm. A Funeral Service will be held at Saint George Greek Orthodox Church on September 23, 2026, at 10:00 am. Interment and Military Honors will follow at Clovis Cemetery. Makaria, back at St. George post interment.