Lieutenant David Gordon Hirlinger (US Navy Retired) passed away on January 16, 2021 at Riverside Hospital. He was born November 4, 1962 in Subic Bay, Philippines. After graduating from Woodbridge High School, he enlisted in the US Navy in August of 1980, where he completed the course of instruction at OS “A” school and received his first assignment aboard the USS Vreeland (FF-1068) as an “Operations Specialist” Petty Officer. Dave quickly advanced through the enlisted ranks achieving many commendations, including “Sailor of the Quarter” once and “Sailor of the Year” twice.    His many awards include the Navy Achievement Medal, The Joint Service Achievement Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and Joint Service Commendation Medal.  He made five deployments during his 25 years of service, aboard the USS Vreeland (FF-1068), USS Richard E. Byrd (DDG-23), USS Ainsworth (FF-1090), USS Ticonderoga (CG-47) and USS Bataan (LHD-5).   Lt. Hirlinger was accepted to and completed his training at Officer Training School and advanced to LDO (Ensign) in December, 1995. He retired from the USN in November 2005 as a Lieutenant (O3).

He earned his Master’s degree from Cambridge College in December 2005.  He worked as a Software Test Engineer for TQI Solutions, Inc. after he retired from Military Service.    Dave was a man of great faith and served his church as an Elder and Finance Officer for many years.  During his life he volunteered his time with the Newport News Police Department and Virginia Special Olympics.

Dave was preceded in death by his father Kenneth Ray Hirlinger, Sr.  He is survived by his mother, Mary (Mayberry) Hirlinger, Ord, NE; his wife Ramona (Yanko) Hirlinger, Newport News, VA;  his only son, John Hirlinger Saylor and husband Nicholas Hirlinger Saylor, Burbank, CA; two brothers Michael Hirlinger and wife Sue (Brown) Hirlinger, Burwell, NE, and Kenneth Ray Hirlinger, Jr. and wife Charon (Mader) Hirlinger, Smithfield, VA;  two nieces Anne Hirlinger and Lauren Hirlinger, and three nephews Sean Hirlinger,  and Jerry and Alex Herron.

The family held a private service on January 23, 2021.  Interment with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of your favorite charity. Arrangements by Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.