Maximillian "Max" Matern, aged 82, of Asbury Park, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on
April 16, 2024, in Middletown, New Jersey surrounded by his family. Max was born on January
1, 1942, in Newark, New Jersey to his German parents and was extremely proud of his German
heritage.
Max is survived by his children, Maximillian Matern and his wife, Suzi; and Cindy Gangemi,
along with his grandchildren, William Gangemi II and his wife Chelsea, Sophia Gangemi Watt
and her husband Logan, Margaret Matern, and Ava Matern. Max is also survived by his greatgrandchild, William Gangemi III. Max was preceded in death by his wife, Joanne Davino Matern,
his mother Elsie Matern O'Reilly, Father Maximillian Matern, and sisters Margaret Infante,
Evelyn McGinty, and Dolores Bittner.
After the death of his young wife, Joanne, Max was a 26-year-old widow and father of two
children, Max and Cindy. Max was a very loving and generous father. He loved spending time
with his kids and especially loved taking them on vacations. Max took them on many vacations
during his life, driving to many of those vacation spots in one of his many German cars. One of
the most memorable road trips was to Hersey Park. Max drove up to the gate and, after many
hours of the kids misbehaving, he turned around and drove home. Max and Cindy learned a
valuable lesson that day and would visit the park another time.
As a young man, Max worked at Bird & Son roofing company to put himself through Lincoln
Technical Institute. He was a skilled tradesman and in 1972 Max started his own HVACR
company.
In 1979, Max moved his young kids to Rumson, something he was very proud of doing. The kids
grew up in Rumson and formed many close bonds and relationships there. They continue to
share countless memories and stories from their time there.
Max had a great sense of humor and was an amazing storyteller. When you were around him,
you knew you’d hear one of his crazy life stories that you knew were 100% true. When his
grandkids would bring him stories and tell them of their adventures, he would always share
something from his life they could relate to. He was very proud to be called “Pop Pop” and
loved his grandkids very much.
The legacy of our father and grandfather, Maximillian Matern, will live on through the
memories we have made, all the stories he has shared, and the impact he has had on his family
and friends.
In lieu of services, there will be a private celebration of Max’s life.
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