WAYNE, N.J. - John Makar, Area Vice President, Steep Slope Southeast, for GAF Materials Corporation, died Dec. 13, 2008. He was 59. Mr. Makar joined GAF in 1998 as Field Sales Manager for the Florida District. He progressed through positions of increasing responsibility within the sales management team for both Low and Steep Slope roofing, including Area Regional Sales Director of Low Slope West, Vice President of Steep Slope West, and Area Vice President of Steep Slope South East.
He served over 25 years as a military reservist in the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, and retired from the Florida National Guard in 2007. Shortly after 9/11, he was called up to provide national security at Florida’s shipping ports and airports, and also assisted the residents of Florida after devastating hurricanes while stationed with his National Guard unit.
Through 2005-06, Mr. Makar served as a Command Sergeant Major during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan where he was presented with numerous military awards and citations. However, relatives said he was most proud of collecting thousand's of shoes for the orphans in Kabul.
A funeral Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at Christ The King Catholic Church, 821 S. Dale Mabry Highway. Private interment will be at Florida National Cemetery.
Condolences can be posted at Blount & Curry Funeral Home Web site atwww.blountcurrymacdill.com.
