Matthew Larry Cinkovich

Matthew Larry Cinkovich, 80, passed away on December 30, 2025.

Larry was born in Streator, Illinois on October 12, 1945, to Gladys Marie Jenkins Gallianetti (Cinkovich) and Matthew Anthony Cinkovich. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Kathleen Rose Koch; brother-in-law, Marvin Koch; brother, Rick Gallianetti; nephews, Rodney Gene Koch, and Joe Michael Gallianetti.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda Dianne Gale Cinkovich, of 56 years; stepson, Randall V. Phelps, Jr; son, Joesph Carlton Cinkovich (Heidi); daughter, Anna Marie Cinkovich (Tom McNulty); grandsons, Zachery Carlton Cinkovich, Hunter Joseph Cinkovich, Elijah Abraham Cinkovich; granddaughters, Kara Maire McNulty, Myah Dyanne Cinkovich; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Larry was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Nothing brought him more joy than introducing his grandchildren to his workshop. Where they created flights of the imagination on their very own child size workbench that Papa (Larry) had built for them. Family and friends alike received handcrafted gifts from Papa’s workshop.

He served in the U.S. Navy Submarine Service, Interior Communications Electrician First Class. After serving his country, Larry was a devoted member of the Caterpillar Tractor team, retiring with 34 years of service. Larry began his career with Caterpillar on the factory floor advancing to management ending his career with the engineering group.

Larry was a member of Edenton Baptist Church and served as a deacon, a Sunday School teacher and he enjoyed his time with the Baptist Men. His love for God was also expressed in his service as a member of the BCI Kairos Team. Larry was a proud member of the Edenton Submariners’ Sound Base, in which he played several leadership roles.

A memorial service celebrating Larry’s life will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at Edenton Baptist Church with Rev. Koby Strawser officiating. The family will greet friends with a reception in the fellowship hall immediately following the service.

The family requests that instead of flowers donations be made to the Edenton Baptist Church’s Baptist Men or the BCI Kairos Ministry.

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, NC is assisting the Cinkovich family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com