Mathew Yelcich

Mathew Yelcich, 84, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at Carolina East Medical Center on October 28, 2025, after a brief illness. Mathew was born on June 19, 1941, in Fairmont, WV to the late Thomas Yelcich and Mary (Ribic) Yelcich. Mathew is preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Karen Elizabeth Yelcich (2025) and his son, Eric Matthew Yelcich (2009).

He is survived by his daughter, Kelly Elizabeth Jones (Kevin) of New Bern, NC; his grandson, Matthew Antonio Gomez of New Bern, NC; his sister, Deloris Moran of Fairmont, WV; and his brother, Lou Yelcich of Fairmont, WV; along with several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, son and parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers: John Yelcich, Thomas Yelcich, and his sisters: Ruth Shepherd, Josephine Kovack, Stella Securo and Irene Bogdanich.

Mathew served his country by joining the Army in 1961 and was stationed in Greenland. After discharge, Mathew joined the Metropolitan Police Department in 1964 and shortly rose to the rank of Detective. He received many departmental awards for his exemplary detective work and recognition from the Federal Bureau of Investigation for his participation in a joint task force between local and federal agents which led to several successful operations in the Metropolitan area.

After retiring from the Metropolitan Police Department in 1984, he was “too young to retire” and became the Director of Security for AIPAC in Washington, DC for 20 years. He developed and implemented security policies and procedures for AIPAC’s headquarters located on Capitol Hill which are still in use to this day. He worked with every local, federal and international agency to ensure the safety of dignitaries, American Presidents, Foreign leaders, celebrities and contributors during the annual Policy Conference and other high-profile events. He was well known and well respected in the industry and trusted by many to ensure their safety and security. Mathew also served his local community in Virginia and North Carolina as part of the community watch program and provided suggestions to ensure a safe community.

Mathew loved fishing, hunting, and being outdoors. He was always looking for an opportunity to fish with friends and put many hours on his Bass boat. If not fishing, he was working in the yard, or on a household project. He was a loving husband to his wife Karen of 64 years, and loved his family, and especially proud of his only grandchild, Matthew, his namesake. Every birthday and holiday was celebrated together with his wife, daughter and grandson, which became an annual tradition for over 25 years.

Mathew had many friends in Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia and North Carolina and made an impact wherever he resided. Many of the friendships developed are over 60 years old and Mathew would still stay in touch, often many miles away, even if it was a quick “how are you?”

He was the rock of his family, protector, husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, brother, neighbor, and friend, and he will be sorely missed by all.

A celebration of Mathew's life will be held at 4:00 pm on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Pinehurst, located at 7373 NC 211, West End, NC 27376.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Mathew Yelcich.