In Memoriam: Former Fair Havenite, Planning Board Member, Dwight Macock, 70

“Dwight’s greatest love was his family, who will always be thankful for his constant gentle guidance and support. He especially enjoyed sharing his love of reading, music and sports with his three grandsons, taking them on countless fun-seeking adventures, from mini-golf, arcades, and go-carting to music shows, barbecues, and boat rides … Dwight also enjoyed hiking, skiing, and biking, with many family vacations planned around exploring the outdoors. From rocky coastal paths in Maine, to horseback rides in Yosemite, to encountering bears in Alaska, he inspired and encouraged his family to travel and create memories that will be cherished forever.” ~ Dwight Macock’s family

Former longtime Fair Havenite and borough Planning Board member, Dwight Macock, more recently of Oceanport, passed away peacefully at home on May 10, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was 70.

Born in Canonsburg, PA, the son of the late Adolph “Red” and Sylvia Macock grew up in Lakewood OH and attended St. Edward High School. He received a BA in American Studies from Miami University in Oxford OH, where he met Debbie, his best friend and wife of 49 years. Together they attended Virginia Tech as graduate students. Dwight received his master’s degree in Urban Planning, where his fellow classmates became his lifelong friends. He treasured their annual weekend reunions for over 40 years, which grew to include camping with kids and even weddings.

“Dwight and Debbie moved to New Jersey in 1976, where Dwight began his career in commercial real estate. After working for several firms and serving on the Fair Haven Planning Board, he founded his own company, Genesis Associates, Inc., with Debbie as a partner from the beginning. Until his retirement Dwight built, renovated, and managed many commercial and residential properties in the central New Jersey area, with his father Red, son Chris, and son-in-law John often working by his side. He was known and beloved by his tenants as an especially caring and empathetic landlord.”
Loved ones of Dwight Macock in his obituary

An avid athlete, Dwight played hockey through college and joined a softball league shortly after settling in New Jersey. He coached many youth teams in various sports for both his children. Dwight was a passionate golfer, “always trying to improve his game through practice and researching the latest technology and trends.”

Vacations to Hilton Head Island became an annual pilgrimage for over 30 years where informal walk-on rounds with extended family and his willing (but never unsolicited) advice were always a welcomed and anticipated part of the experience. He was a member of the John Caliendo Shore Winter Golf League for more than 20 years, and along with Debbie, held membership at Bamm Hollow Country Club.

Dwight continued his involvement with softball through his senior years, not only holding infield and pitching positions but also managing teams. He carried that enthusiasm and skill into pickleball which became one of his favorite athletic pastimes.

He was president of the Monmouth Pickleball Club for many years until his death, and served as a player, teacher, volunteer, tournament organizer, and friend to hundreds of local players.

“Like nearly everything else in his life, his love for the game was only outweighed by the joy he found in helping others enjoy it as well. Music was another passion for Dwight, and though he had never performed publicly for most of his life, it was through New Jersey Acoustic Music in the Park (NJAMP) that he found a welcoming community for amateur artists to learn and grow. With a fondness for the 12-string acoustic guitar he quickly began learning songs, singing, and even took drum lessons as another way of supporting his fellow musicians. He became a regular at several local open mic nights, which led to the formation of his band, 12 String Thing, a classic rock cover group featuring Debbie and many other good friends, with his son Chris on lead guitar at times. During the pandemic Dwight learned how to create and edit music videos, and he together with Debbie would post weekly performances online to entertain and stay in contact with friends and family. 12 String Thing became a regular act at many Jersey Shore venues as well as private parties and their annual Virginia Tech reunions.”
Loved ones of Dwight Macock in his obituary

Dwight will be greatly missed by: his wife, Debbie; his son, Chris; his daughter, Carrie Mastroianni and her husband John; grandsons, Owen, Grady and Remy Mastroianni; and his large extended family.

He was predeceased by his parents and sister Cheryl Matejka.

Family and friends may visit on Wednesday, May 17, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank. Interment will be private. Dwight loved big parties with live music, good food and lots of friends. We will celebrate his life with a party he would have loved. Details to be announced soon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center at www.mskcc.org.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via John E. Day Funeral Home