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Matthew Riddle Obituary
Matthew Guy Riddle "Matt"
Matthew "Matt" Guy Riddle, 56, of McLean, VA passed away at home with his loving family by his side on January 14, 2023, after a four year battle with glioblastoma.
Matt was born on August 28, 1966 to Sharon and Robert Riddle in Granada Hills, CA. He graduated from Agoura High in 1984, attended Moorpark and Pierce colleges and went on to California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) at San Luis Obispo. While at Cal Poly, he met his wife Jane (Janie) Contreras. Matt and Jane were married in 1991 and have three children, Ryan (24), Vanessa (24) and Amanda (20).
After graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering (cum laude), Matt started his career as an engineer for FMC in Santa Clara, CA. His drive, creativity and leadership quickly propelled him into bigger roles within his field. He held multiple patents and was always thinking of how to make things better. While in his most recent role as CEO, Matt improved his employee health benefits and built one of the first on-site employee childcare centers at his factory in Mexico.
Matt was a loving son, father, husband and friend. His family was his main priority and he always put them first. He was most proud of his children and their pursuit of careers in science and engineering.
In his spare time Matt enjoyed spending time with his family whether it be working in his yard or in his garage. His hobbies included hunting, fishing and anything related to fast cars. He also loved eating great food and drinking a dark beer or a fine wine with friends. Anyone who knew Matt knew how much he loved his family and how he worked to give them a wonderful life. He will be missed more than words can describe.
A private family service will be held at St Luke's Catholic Church. A celebration of Matt's life will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to the ARCS Foundation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Riddle
Vahdet Carlak
December 25, 2024
I'm very sorry to learn his absence. I was his maintenance manager during his work at FNSS in Ankara-Turkey.He was a real leader who works closely with his team.He was a clever and very good person.
HUSEYIN ESENERGUL
December 24, 2024
We worked together with Matt while he was in Ankara, Turkey. He had very good engineering and management skills. He was a good friend too. I enjoyed working with him. We will all missed him. I hope he will rest in peace.
Ali Murat Artuc
December 24, 2024
Dear Riddle Family,
I found out his situation during the X-Mas Eve of 2024. Merry Christmas.
He was my manager and friend at FNSS. He was a true gentleman.
Dear Riddle Family please accept my sincere condolences.
Rest in peace Matt. I will always remember you.
Ali Murat ARTUC
Mark Stovall
April 13, 2024
Matt, I can call you friend. I have known Matt and Janie from the FMC, UDLP, UDI, and BAE days. A great guy, sense of humor, loyal, and devoted to family. See you again Matt!
Brett Barlow
December 19, 2023
I´m stunned to learn of Matt´s tragic passing. He was a great friend. Very generous with his time and spirit. Please accept my sincere condolences.
David Wilkie
April 3, 2023
I just learned of this. Tragic. Matt was such an amazingly thoughtful and generous person. I knew him as a member of a group of CEOs. He was always willing to help others. Always generous. "Tell them to call me." He was always trying to help other people. He was also very curious. He always wanted to learn new things. He never thought he knew it all. Lifelong learner if you will. The other CEOs will be devastated to learn this news. We will give the toast Matt deserves next we meet to honor his legacy and his memory. Matt was and still it an inspiration to me and many others. His family should know how wonderful their husband/father/son/brother/etc was among the business people he met along the way. He will be very sorely missed. Prayers for Matt and his family. May his memory live on as it deserves to.
Ned Davis
February 14, 2023
Matt was creative, gracious, driven, smart, and cared well for his co-workers. I fondly remember our time together at United Defense/BAE. May God comfort you in your time of loss.
Rungnapa Nuntabut.
January 31, 2023
My sincere condolences.
Gabriel Solano
January 30, 2023
Matt was a great leader and mentor who always provided advice for all of us to learn, grow, and be supported, while executing strategies with
ethics and superior quality.
He told me last time how proud he was of his family, and I have no doubt that he showed his example of how to
walk in life that will endure in all of us. Rest in peace Matt.
Ron Neyens
January 27, 2023
Janie and Family we are all so sad - from the day I met this hard charging-change the world engineer trying to stretch a M113 to our last days working together on MRAP I always had a great deal of respect for Matt - he will be missed but always remembered - From everyone here at Combat Mission Systems
Tharet Bunditsakul
January 26, 2023
Please accept my sincere condolences.
Fran Gomez
January 26, 2023
Condolences and prayers to Janie and children. Rest in Peace Matt
Richard Day
January 26, 2023
My condolences to Janie and her family. I worked at, FMC/United Defense/BAE, where I met both Matt and Janie. My position in tool Design covered all projects and occasionally would confer Matt on his. I do remember him as very competent and knowledgeable. So sad and much to young.
Elmer Doty
January 26, 2023
Janie and family - our sincere condolences on your loss. I knew Matt as a fine man, a brilliant engineer and leader, and a good friend. He leaves behind many, many friends who loved and admired him. May God watch over and comfort you.
Chris Quick
January 26, 2023
Dear Riddle Family,
Our sincere condolences to all of you. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Matt was so proud of his family and always spoke of you. Matt was a very genuine, caring, and passionate man. His fight and tenacity were incredible in everything he faced. He made an impact on our company and its employees and will never be forgotten. Matt will be missed immensely. Rest In Peace our Dear Fellow. It was an honor to have you touch our lives. Chris, Gloria and our entire family.
John G. Tile
January 25, 2023
Matt was not only my boss at one time but a friend and colleague at United Defense/BAE. He was a great leader who cared! My sincerest condolences and offer my thoughts and prayers to all of Matt´s family and friends!
Walt Havenstein
January 24, 2023
My heartfelt condolences to all family and friends of Matt. He was a valued and respected colleague and one of the finest business leaders in our industry.
David L Fuelleman
January 24, 2023
Matt will be missed. Matt was a one of a kind leader often questioning to understand any problem so he could find a better solution. Matt clearly cared for not just his family but also the Walbro family. Matt will be missed.
Mark Signorelli
January 24, 2023
Matt has a unique commitment to serving out soldiers, sailors and Marines. He lived the motto "We protect those who protect us." Many are with their families today because of the effort Matt made to their survival.
Ann & Craig Guernsey
January 24, 2023
Our sincerest condolences to Jane and family.
Mary Snook
January 24, 2023
My sincerest condolences for you and your family at this difficult time. Wishing you and your family peace, comfort, courage and lots of prayers at this time of sorrow.
Roy Perkins
January 24, 2023
Sorry to hear of Matt's passing. I worked with him on many captures at UD/BAE. He will be missed.
Carol Evans
January 24, 2023
Matt and I shared Board positions on the National Philharmonic...as did Jane. He was a gentle giant crippled with a disease that took him away much too young. May the love of friends, help his family through their loss.
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