Obituary of Jeffrey D. Maca

With his family by his side, Jeffrey Dean Maca, 53, died peacefully at Morristown Medical Center in the early hours of Thursday, September 5, 2024.

Jeff was born in Iowa City Iowa to Richard and Phyllis Maca, and grew up in Shreveport, Louisianna with his brother Greg. After graduating from high school Jeff went on to earn his PhD from Texas A&M University. Jeff’s career brought him to New Jersey many years ago. He had a long career as a well-respected statistician in the pharmaceutical industry, working for several companies such as Novartis and Bayer for many years. Jeff was dedicated to his work so much so that he was honored as a fellow of the American Statistical Association.

Jeff’s most proud role was that of father to his two sons, Matthew and Nathan. He was an amazing dad, fully involved in the lives of his boys, teaching them how to fish and many other life skills that they will hold dear for life.

Jeff married the love of his life and best friend, Loren Graffigna, on September 29, 2017 after their engagement in Cancun.

Jeff also had a passion and natural talent for music starting from a very young age. Born with perfect pitch, Jeff mastered the trumpet on his own and formed a love of jazz music. Over the years he was a member of a few bands such as “Spare Tire” and “Wayne Lyle & Friends”.  This led to lifelong bonds, and trips to both perform and see live music with close friends.

Jeff had many interests, one of which was ham radio. As an amateur radio enthusiast with the call sign “W05D”, Jeff spoke with numerous other ham radio enthusiasts around the world and he had a full understanding of how the radios operated. Jeff also was an extensive world traveler who loved to explore new places. He had a vast stamp and currency collection, and was a talented gardener who raised plants as well as butterflies. Jeff was an excellent photographer who had an eye for the perfect photo, and he enjoyed the occasional game of dominos with friends. He was also a devoted fan of Texas A&M football and took barbequing seriously from his years living in Texas.

Jeff is survived by his beloved wife, Loren Graffigna; his two sons who he loved deeply, Matthew Evan Maca & Nathan Andrew Maca; his parents, Richard and Phyllis Maca; his brother, Greg Maca and his wife Renee.

Jeff was the most generous, loyal, loving, compassionate, selfless, giving, talented, kind, dependable, and reliable man you could ever have had the privilege to meet or been fortunate to know. We consider ourselves to be truly blessed to have had him in our lives. He was an extraordinary person whose life was much too short.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the celebration of life gathering for Jeff on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a memorial service of sharing stories and memories held at 6:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

Charitable contributions may be made in Jeff’s memory to The Raptor Trust, 1390 White Bridge Road, Millington, NJ 07946