Matthew A. Gallina

Fire Investigator Matthew A. Gallina of the Virginia Beach Fire Department passed away on August 21, 2024, after a courageous battle with occupational esophageal cancer. He was 48 years old. Gallina proudly served the Virginia Beach community for more than two decades after joining the department in February 2002, dedicating his life to protecting others. 

Gallina was born in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, to Nicholas and Susan Gallina. He graduated from Atlantic Community High School in Delray Beach, Florida in 1994 before answering the call to serve his country in the United States Navy. From 1994 to 2000, Gallina served aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, where he developed the discipline, leadership, and sense of duty that would guide him throughout the rest of his life. 

After completing his military service, Gallina pursued a career in the fire service. He graduated from the Tidewater Regional Fire Academy in 2000 and began serving the Hampton Roads community. In 2002, he joined the Virginia Beach Fire Department, where he would spend the next 22 years serving the city he and his family proudly called home. 

During his distinguished career, Gallina served at several fire stations across the city including Engine 2C, Ladder 2C, Engine 14C, Engine 8C, and Ladder 8C. Later in his career, he served as a Fire Investigator with the Fire Marshal’s Office, continuing his commitment to protecting the community in a new capacity. Gallina was also a proud member of the International Association of Fire Fighters and the International Association of Arson Investigators. 

While Gallina took great pride in his profession, his greatest joy in life was his family. Gallina shared 22 wonderful years of marriage with his wife, Michelle, the love of his life. Together they built a beautiful life and family. He was a proud and devoted father to their three children: Dominic, Mia, and Lincoln. 

Gallina loved spending time with his family and could often be found at the ballfield cheering on his children and supporting youth sports in the community. Whether coaching, watching games, or simply enjoying time together, Gallina treasured every moment he spent with his family. 

Gallina was known for his strength, determination, and competitive spirit. He earned a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and enjoyed spending time at the shooting range. Those who knew him also knew his loyalty, sense of humor, and the quiet confidence that came from a life built on discipline, service, and love for others. 

To his fellow firefighters, Gallina was a trusted brother. To his friends, he was steadfast and dependable. To his children, he was a hero. And to his wife Michelle, he was her greatest love and partner in life. 

Gallina’s life was defined by service — to his country, his community, his fire department, and most importantly, his family. Though his passing leaves an immeasurable void, his legacy lives on through the lives he touched, the family he loved so deeply, and the community he served with honor. 

Gallina will be remembered not only for the uniform he wore, but for the love he gave, the lives he protected, and the family he cherished above all else. 

Fire Investigator Matthew A. Gallina is survived by his loving wife Michelle; his children Dominic, Mia, and Lincoln; his parents Nicholas and Susan Gallina; his sisters Krista and Stephanie; and many cherished family members, friends, and brothers and sisters in the fire service. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation as paid off the mortgage on the Gallina family home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.