Remembering Mike

Michael E. Maulbeck, age 66, of Parsippany, NJ, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 5, 2021. Mike graduated from Oratory High School in Summit and for many years, he was an office clerk with the U-Haul company in Saddlebrook, NJ.

However, what he is truly remembered for is his “Presence”. Michael was generally not the center of attention, but his laugh was unmistakable and his stories memorable, so you knew he was in the room. He was always happy to share a tale and invariably enjoyed a hearty chuckle in between anecdotes.

He also was a baseball/softball umpire for years and was recognized as both decidedly assertive and emphatically impartial. Whether it was calling balls and strikes or safe or out on the bases, he was rarely second-guessed and regularly acknowledged for getting the call right.

Mike was beautifully simple in his tastes, expectations, and performance. Yes, Mike was uncomplicated and consistently truly enjoyed a routine of watching sports and model building. Of particular interest was baseball, specifically the Yankees, and car racing, specifically the Indianapolis 500. In addition, he was fascinated by the intricacies of Lego Blocks and would spend hours perfecting a structure. Most importantly, Mike was a happy soul, disappointments were mere inconveniences and easily overcome by a sport’s game on the TV, some comfort food, or an outing with friends and family.

The Funeral Service will be private.