Obituary of Eugene R. Maykish

Eugene “Gene” R. Maykish, 94, of Clinton, NJ, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy

of love, laughter, and wisdom.

Born on November 2, 1930, in Irvington, NJ, Gene grew up on Bergen Street, Newark, NJ, with

his parents, Blanche and Dick, and brothers Joe and Mike. Coming of age during the Great

Depression, he learned resilience, humor, and generosity—qualities that stayed with him

throughout his life.

Motivated to serve his country, Gene enlisted in the Army Air Corps, the predecessor to the

United States Air Force. He was stationed at Burtonwood Air Force Base in England and was

among the 18,000 service members who supported the Berlin Airlift, delivering supplies to West

Berlin during the Soviet blockade of 1948–1949.

After returning home, Gene’s gift of gab and love of people led him into sales before he built a

successful career in metal finishing. He later established Mara Polishing and Plating, known for

its motto: “Service and Quality of Unusual Excellence.”

Above all, Gene was devoted to his family. He was a proud father to five children—Linda,

Nicholas, Michael, Stacey, and Dana—instilling in them kindness, hard work, and the

importance of family. To his children, he was not only a father but also a role model, guide, and

constant source of love and laughter.

In his later years, Gene found happiness with his beloved wife of 25 years, Kathy. Together they

shared countless adventures and a deep, abiding love.

Gene also had a lifelong affection for animals, especially his late dog, Somba, and Pepe the cat,

who brought him joy in recent years.

Known for his sharp wit and endless jokes, Gene could brighten any room with laughter. He

embraced life’s simple pleasures—riding his bike through town, cheering on the Giants, sharing

stories, or buying a hopeful lottery ticket.

He will be remembered as a man of warmth, humor, resilience, and unwavering devotion to

family. His legacy of kindness and laughter will live on through all who had the privilege of

knowing him.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy; his children, Linda, Nicholas, Michael, Stacey, and Dana; his

grandchildren, Kristi, Evan, Tyler, Melissa, Kelsey, Kate, Michael, and Hunter; great-

grandchildren Karlie, Emyli, Zoe, Caleb and Elliot and his brother Joe, who will miss him dearly.

Friends and relatives may visit with Gene's family from 2:00 until 6:00PM with a spiritual service

and Air Force Honors starting at 6:00PM. All services will be held at Martin Funeral Home, located

at 1761 Route 31, Clinton NJ 08809. Cremation will follow privately. 

In lieu flowers, donations In Gene's name may be made to, St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center. https://www.sthuberts.org/donate