Matthew Joseph Kavalus

Matthew Joseph Kavalus, 50, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2025, at Ocean Medical Center in Brick, NJ surrounded by his loving family. 

Born in Elizabeth, NJ, Matthew grew up in Cranford, NJ and spent the last ten years living in Cape May and Toms River, NJ.

Matthew was a 1994 graduate of Cranford High School where he was a Varsity football athlete and also a graduate of Lincoln Technical Institute with a degree in auto mechanics.  He inherited a passion, skillset and love for carpentry from his father and enjoyed spending time in his father’s woodshop working with his hands designing and creating.

Matthew had a servant’s heart having committed his time and energy to being a member and leader of St. Michael’s Youth Ministry.

Matthew was very instrumental in the Knights of Columbus brotherhood.  As a leader he held the position of Deputy Grand Knight of St. John Neumann Knights of Columbus Council 3546 and a 4th degree member of the Monsignor of Moroney Assembly No 671, where he held the position of Intercontinental.

Matthew was also a member of the Toms River Elks Lodge #1875  where he served as an officer having held the positions of Lecturing Knight and The Loyal Knight.

Matthew was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Mary Ellen Kavalus, grandparents, Anne & Harold G. Eikamp, grandparents, Leonard & Margaret Kavalus, Uncle, Timothy H. Eikamp, and Aunt, Mary Beth Eikamp.

As a devoted and loving brother, Matthew is survived by his siblings – Meghan Kavalus, Michael Kavalus & Kaitlyn Rickards – his nephews, Clayton Rickards, Joseph Rickards, and niece, Summer Rickards, his godparents, Kathleen Battaglia and Peter Kavalus, and many more loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

***We respectfully request that no one arrive at the funeral home prior to 3:00 pm so as not to intrude on the family’s private viewing.*** 

Arrangements and proceedings were entrusted to Kowalski Funeral Home, Linden, NJ. 

Relatives and friends are invited to the visitation in the Gray Funeral Home, 12 Springfield Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016, on Friday, November 14th. from 3:00-8:00PM.  On Saturday, November 15th. at 11:15AM, everyone will gather directly at St. John the Apostle R.C. Church, 1805 Penbrook Terrace, Linden, NJ 07036 where a funeral mass will be offered at 11:30AM.  

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