Mr. John Edward Trinkaus, 74, of Marcy, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Wynn Hospital with his loving family by his side.

     John was born in Utica on June 11, 1952, the son of Andrew and Anna (O’Neill) Trinkaus. He was raised locally and was a graduate of Oriskany High School. On August 27, 1976, John was united in marriage to Kimberley Murphy at St. Peter’s Church in North Utica. The couple shared 50 loving and devoted years together. John began his career working at his family’s business, Trinkaus Manor in Oriskany. He later worked for Carl Mundy Contracting and then was employed as a plumber at Midstate Correctional Facility until his retirement. John was a life member and past lieutenant of the Maynard Fire Department, where he also previously served as a commissioner. For the past several years, John took pride in continuing his father’s legacy of setting up, maintaining, and overseeing the Village of Oriskany’s Nativity display and Christmas lights in Trinkaus Park. He was a man who took great pride in his community and cherished the many friendships he made throughout his life, especially all his friends at “The O.”  John was of the Catholic faith.

     An avid sportsman, John had a passion for fastpitch softball where he was a long-time pitcher and played in 6 different decades for several teams throughout the area.  Most recently John played for Robert’s Post in the Northern Fastpitch League.  He was honored to have played alongside great teammates and friends including Adam and Joe Partyka, Larry Deck, Scott Hutchins, Angelo Simone, John Kulik, BJ Gouger, Chad Malmberg, and countless others.  John was honored by receiving the coveted Bill Deck Award in 2015 for his longtime contributions and dedication to men’s fastpitch softball. He was an exceptional golfer and member of Hidden Valley Golf Course with his long-time golf partners and friends Mike Magnitzky and Dan Crossway.

   John loved spending time with his family, whether lending a helping hand on a project, lingering around a late-night campfire, or proudly reigning as the champion of family pitch tournaments, he was happiest when they were together.  Above all, he cherished his four beautiful granddaughters who were his pride and joy.  He could always be found at any one of their sporting events.  Whether it was Rome Spirit Softball or Notre Dame Athletics, he was always behind the camera providing his own style of commentary.  He was especially proud of being the “official videographer” of the Notre Dame Girl’s Basketball teams over the past several years and being able to witness and celebrate their many accomplishments.  One of his proudest moments was celebrating when his granddaughters and teammates won the NY State Basketball Championship in 2024.

      Mr. Trinkaus is survived by his beloved wife, Kim; his mother Anna, loving son and daughter-in-law, Jason and Beth (Durr) Trinkaus of Marcy and his four cherished granddaughters, Maggie, Ella, Erin and Molly all of Marcy. He is also survived by his sisters, Peg Trinkaus of Oriskany and Barbe Balfe of Holland Patent, his brothers, Daniel Trinkaus of Oriskany, Kevin Trinkaus of Colorado and Kyle Trinkaus of Colorado; and his mother-in-law, Gertrude Murphy of Marcy, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was predeceased by his father, Andy, his brother, Tom Trinkaus, his father-in-law, William J. Murphy, his two brothers-in-law, William A. Murphy and Terry Balfe, and his nephew Greg Trinkaus.

     Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to John’s funeral Mass of Christian burial on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at Holy Cross at St. Mark’s Church, 440 Keyes Rd., North Utica. He will be laid to rest in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Whitesboro. Visitation for family and friends is Thursday, September 3rd from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., North Utica.

     In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may kindly be made to the Maynard Fire Department, 9500 Maynard Drive, Marcy, NY 13403; the Notre Dame Girls Basketball Program, c/o John Snyder, 19 Westminster Road, Utica, NY 13501 or Shriners Children’s New England, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104, in memory of his brother, Tom. Donation envelopes will be available at the funeral home.