Died peacefully at home in Summerfield with his wife Maggie after a heart-wrenching battle with Alzheimer’s.
He was born in New York City on June 12th, 1937, the son of Max Jaeger and Mary D’Ambrosio.
He was predeceased by his parents, sisters, Maxine Wirth and Stephanie Tamborello, and son David.
He is survived by his wife Maggie, daughters Susan Adams and Stephanie Osburn, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, many extended families, his close friend Greg Nazarian, and his loving companions during his illness, Mary Green and Paulette Rattigan.
He graduated from Good Shepherd and continued his education with the Armed Forces Institute. He was a Certified Food Executive with courses at Cornell University, Princeton University, and the University of New Hampshire.
Max proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1957. He had the profound and moving experience of joining his fellow patriots on “Honor Flight #49” in 2019. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 347 for over 30 years.
After leaving the army, he hitchhiked across the country with friends, then returned to New York to follow in his father’s footsteps in the Food Service Industry by serving in large-scale dining operations at New York Life, Hunter College, and William Paterson State College. He was a member of the International Food Service Executive Association.
Max and Maggie were married in Hamilton, Bermuda, and spent 50 years together building a life filled with love and laughter.
After many years in the food industry, Max decided to venture into other fields. He joined New York Telephone and was elected steward, setting an example of a unified advocate for workers’ rights. His last venture before retiring was conducting surveys with Chief Executive Officers for Market Research at McGraw-Hill in Princeton Junction, NJ.
He was an enthusiastic reader with a lifelong quest for knowledge and a love for music that reflected his vibrant personality. He enjoyed many travels with Maggie, turning every trip into an adventure.
His greatest passion was volunteering his care for others, especially with children… packing backpacks for school kids, helping with Christmas gift programs, and playing Santa on Skype. He was always there to help a neighbor or friend in need.
He was known for his quick wit and warm smile… always ready with a joke to lighten the mood. Max had a great gift for making everyone feel welcome, and his kindness and generosity touched countless lives.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Marion County Hospice for their compassionate care.
Max has left a legacy of warmth, humor, and generosity that will live on in everyone who knew him. He will be remembered as a life lived with immense love and a constant sense of sharing.
Instead of flowers, Max would like to leave his legacy of helping one another, especially those in need.
At his wishes, he will be laid to rest with his fellow patriots at the National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL.