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June 23, 2026
Services
Friends may visit with the family at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, on Friday, June 26, 2026 from 2-6 PM.
Max J Williams, age 72, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday June 23, 2026. Max grew up in Wayne, NJ. He worked for American Mech Tech and after retiring he went to work for High Point Utilities (TriStrux, where he was currently working before his short illness).
Max was raised in Wayne, where he spent much of his life surrounded by family, friends, and the community he loved. As a young man, he left school early to help support his family, demonstrating the strong work ethic that would define him throughout his life.
To know Max was to know laughter, and plenty of sarcasm. He was a relentless jokester, and a master of the perfectly timed one-liner. Family and friends knew that no gathering was complete without one of Max's witty remarks or good-natured ribbing. Even during his final days, his sharp sense of humor remained intact, bringing smiles to those around him. His quick wit and ability to make people laugh will be remembered by all who knew him.
Max lived life with enthusiasm and entirely on his own terms. He was an avid fisherman, he enjoyed both freshwater and saltwater fishing and treasured trips to destinations such as Pyramid Lake, Nevada, and Mammoth Lakes, California. He also spent countless hours fishing local waters and enjoying days on his boat and WaveRunner.
Motorcycles were one of Max's greatest passions. Known to many by his biker nickname, "Mad Max," he proudly rode his Harleys for decades and rarely missed Daytona Bike Week or Biketoberfest, traditions he faithfully maintained year after year. His love for the open road was matched only by his appreciation for classic American muscle cars. He especially admired his 1967 Chevrolet Impala.
The Jersey Shore also held a special place in Max's heart. Whether enjoying Seaside Heights, cruising the bay on his boat, or simply spending time with family on the boardwalk, those moments brought him happiness. One of his final joys was a trip to the shore surrounded by loved ones.
Max leaves behind his son Jimmy and Fiancee Lori, his Fiancee Donna McIlwrath, stepson Patrick and his wife Deidre, stepdaughter Jaclyn Ehrlich and husband Michael. His grandchildren, Emmy and Wild, Madison and Stevyn, Derek, Sydney, Aubree and Stevie. Extended stepdaughter and grandaughter, Colleen and Nicole. His brother Bill and wife Janet. With many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Bill and Dorothea, his sister Dorothea(Pookie) and his stepson Nicholas McIlwrath.
Although his passing leaves an immeasurable void, those who knew Max take comfort in remembering a man who lived boldly, laughed often, loved deeply, and never missed an opportunity to enjoy life. His legacy lives on in the stories, laughter, and memories shared by all who were fortunate enough to know him
If you would like to send a private condolence directly to the family use this condolence section.
Friends may visit with the family at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, on Friday, June 26, 2026 from 2-6 PM.
June 23, 2026
Services
Friends may visit with the family at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, on Friday, June 26, 2026 from 2-6 PM.
Max J Williams, age 72, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday June 23, 2026. Max grew up in Wayne, NJ. He worked for American Mech Tech and after retiring he went to work for High Point Utilities (TriStrux, where he was currently working before his short illness).
Max was raised in Wayne, where he spent much of his life surrounded by family, friends, and the community he loved. As a young man, he left school early to help support his family, demonstrating the strong work ethic that would define him throughout his life.
To know Max was to know laughter, and plenty of sarcasm. He was a relentless jokester, and a master of the perfectly timed one-liner. Family and friends knew that no gathering was complete without one of Max's witty remarks or good-natured ribbing. Even during his final days, his sharp sense of humor remained intact, bringing smiles to those around him. His quick wit and ability to make people laugh will be remembered by all who knew him.
Max lived life with enthusiasm and entirely on his own terms. He was an avid fisherman, he enjoyed both freshwater and saltwater fishing and treasured trips to destinations such as Pyramid Lake, Nevada, and Mammoth Lakes, California. He also spent countless hours fishing local waters and enjoying days on his boat and WaveRunner.
Motorcycles were one of Max's greatest passions. Known to many by his biker nickname, "Mad Max," he proudly rode his Harleys for decades and rarely missed Daytona Bike Week or Biketoberfest, traditions he faithfully maintained year after year. His love for the open road was matched only by his appreciation for classic American muscle cars. He especially admired his 1967 Chevrolet Impala.
The Jersey Shore also held a special place in Max's heart. Whether enjoying Seaside Heights, cruising the bay on his boat, or simply spending time with family on the boardwalk, those moments brought him happiness. One of his final joys was a trip to the shore surrounded by loved ones.
Max leaves behind his son Jimmy and Fiancee Lori, his Fiancee Donna McIlwrath, stepson Patrick and his wife Deidre, stepdaughter Jaclyn Ehrlich and husband Michael. His grandchildren, Emmy and Wild, Madison and Stevyn, Derek, Sydney, Aubree and Stevie. Extended stepdaughter and grandaughter, Colleen and Nicole. His brother Bill and wife Janet. With many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Bill and Dorothea, his sister Dorothea(Pookie) and his stepson Nicholas McIlwrath.
Although his passing leaves an immeasurable void, those who knew Max take comfort in remembering a man who lived boldly, laughed often, loved deeply, and never missed an opportunity to enjoy life. His legacy lives on in the stories, laughter, and memories shared by all who were fortunate enough to know him
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