Michael A. McAteer, 98, Passes Away in Berkeley Township
Longtime New Jersey Transit Employee Enjoyed Extensive Retirement Travel
Michael A. McAteer, a cherished father and grandfather, died peacefully at his Berkeley Township, New Jersey home on July 5, 2025. He was 98 years old.
A Life of Family and Service
Born to Francis McAteer and Ellen McAteer (McGinley) in Ballure, Fanad, Michael was the last surviving of seven siblings. He and his wife of 56 years, the late Sara Teresa McAteer (Grant), raised nine children. The couple resided in Newark and Maplewood, New Jersey, before settling in Berkeley Township in 2003.
Michael dedicated 36 years of his career to New Jersey Transit Bus Operations. His retirement was marked by vigor, including annual visits to Donegal, Ireland, to connect with family and friends. He maintained his independent travel well into his nineties.
Family Ties and Fond Memories
During his visits to Ireland, Michael cherished time with his sister-in-law Bridie (Donegan) of Lisfannon, Buncrana, and his nieces Nuala Keegan (Mulligan) and Grace Mulligan of Letterkenny. He also enjoyed visiting his cousin Mary Tobin in Letterkenny.
Michael was preceded in death by his wife, Sara Teresa McAteer (Grant), and his children, Michael A. McAteer, Jr., Marian, and Gerri. He is survived by his sons Francis, Patrick, Richard and his wife Ellen, and John, and his daughters Ellen and Deirdre. He also leaves behind six grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his siblings: Mary (Mulligan) of Dunfanaghy; Celia (Logue) of Kerrykeel; Catherine and John of Ballure, Fanad; the Very Reverend Canon Patrick of Carrigart; and Bridget (Fahey) of Clane, Co. Kildare.
The passing of a 98-year-old signifies a significant generational shift, with the average life expectancy in the United States currently standing at approximately 77.5 years as of recent data (CDC, 2023).
Services
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church in Toms River, New Jersey. Following the service, he will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Cemetery in Toms River.
