Richard Mackiewicz Obituary

Bayfield resident Richard W. Mackiewicz, died Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2011, at his daughter and son-in-laws's home in Bayfield. He was 87.

Known as "Dick," he was born to Wesley and Helen Mackiewicz on April 11, 1924, in Irvington, N.J. He was the eldest of three children.

A graduate of Cranford High School in New Jersey, he enlisted in the Navy during World War II. He piloted a PB2Y Coronado, a patrol bomber flying boat, in the Pacific Theater. Mr. Mackiewicz was honorably discharged in 1946.

After his discharge, he went on to college and graduated from Seton Hall University. He met MaryAnn Kryston, and within a week they were engaged. The couple married Sept. 2, 1950, in Westfield, N.J. They raised three children at their home in Stirling, N.J.

Mr. Mackiewicz's career culminated with his directorship at the Navy Exchange. While in the Navy's employ, he traveled the world to cities and ports in Asia, Europe and the Caribbean.

"Oftentimes, while watching TV or reading a magazine," his family said, "he would see distant places and quip, 'I was there!'"

After his retirement from the Navy Exchange, Mr. Mackiewicz moved from his native New Jersey to Bayfield 15 years ago.

"Richard touched many in the community with his unquenchable zest for life, passion for gardening and keen interests in airplanes, travel, music and Southwest culture," his family wrote. "He is remembered by family as a devoted husband to MaryAnn; a kind, patient, loving father; and a man who saw the beauty and good in all persons and things."

Mr. Mackiewicz was preceded in death by his wife of 37 years, MaryAnn Mackiewicz, in 1987.

He is survived by his children Mariellen (Mackiewicz) Walz of Bayfield, Luanne (Mackiewicz) Bershaw of Sicklerville, N.J., and Richard W. Mackiewicz Jr. of Metuchen, N.J.; brother, Thaddeous "Ted" Mackiewicz, of Fountain Hills, Ariz.; and one granddaughter.

Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Ignacio. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated afterward at 11 a.m., also at St. Ignatius. The Rev. Douglas Hunt will be the celebrant.

A Mass also will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011, at the St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Chapel in Haskel, N.J. The chapel will be rededicated to the memory of both Mr. and Mrs. Mackiewicz. Burial will take place next to Mrs. Mackiewicz at the St. Vincent De Paul cemetery in Stirling.