Michael A. Makara, 67, of Perth Amboy, passed away on March 14, 2026, at RWJ University Hospital New Brunswick.

Michael was born on April 14, 1958, in Elizabeth NJ, to Stephen and Cecelia M. Makara, and was raised in Roselle.  Michael graduated from Abraham Clark High School, Roselle NJ, Class of 1976.  Michael lived in Aberdeen Township, Dunellen, and several other towns, before moving to Perth Amboy in 2004.

Michael graduated from Union County College, Cranford, Kean College of NJ, Union, and Mount St. Mary's University and Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD.  Michael was ordained for priestly service in the Diocese of Metuchen NJ, by the Late Most Rev. Vincent DePaul Breen.  Fr. Michael faithfully served as an associate pastor in several local parish communities.  After taking a leave from the priesthood, he continued his work career.  Mostly recently, this included Lowes Home Centers as a Pro-Service and Sales Specialist.

Michael was an active member and a Trustee of St. Vladimir's Ukrainian Catholic Church, Elizabeth NJ.  Michael was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus and was an Honorary Fourth Degree Life member.  Mike enjoyed his family, friends, and travel, especially the Southwest United States.  He enjoyed staying current on politics, religion, and history books.  Mike also enjoyed studying languages and religious art.  Michael was very social, engaging, and made many friends in the course of his life.  He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed help.

Michael was predeceased by his parents, Stephen & Cecelia M. (Bosak) Makara, siblings Paul and John and Stephen Jr., and infant sister Stephanie, and brother-in-law John T. Banasiak.

Michael is survived by a sister, Cecelia Banasiak, brothers Raymond and wife Beatrice, Joseph and wife Lorraine, and sister-in-law Maxine Makara.  Michael is also survived by nieces Jennifer Spinks, Marie Banasiak, Donna Makara-Diaz, Kathryn Makara-Schopp, and Kasey Bonsignore, nephews John Banasiak and Matthew Makara, grandnieces and grandnephews, several close cousins, loyal friends, and other family members.

Visitation will take place on Monday, March 23rd from 3:00PM to 7:00PM at the Flynn & Son / Koyen Funeral Home, 319 Amboy Ave, Metuchen NJ.

Family and Friends are respectively invited to attend a Requiem Divine Liturgy on Tuesday, March 24th at 10:30AM at St. Vladimir's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 309 Grier Avenue, Elizabeth NJ.  Interment will follow in the family plot at Rosehill Cemetery, Linden NJ.