Michael A. McAteer, 98 of Berkeley Township, New Jersey, USA passed away peacefully at his home on July 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Michael was the last survivor of a McAteer (Kit) family of seven children born to Francis McAteer and Ellen McAteer (McGinley) of Ballure, Fanad. He was predeceased in 2009 by his wife of 56 years, Sara Teresa McAteer (Grant) of Glenard, Buncrana. Together they raised a family of nine children, living in Newark, New Jersey and Maplewood, New Jersey, before retiring to Berkeley in 2003.
Michael was employed by New Jersey Transit Bus Operations for 36 years. As part of his long, happy, and healthy retirement, he enjoyed annual trips to Donegal to visit with family and friends, traveling independently into his 90s. He especially loved visiting with his sister-in-law Bridie (Donegan) of Lisfannon, Buncrana, his beloved nieces Nuala Keegan (Mulligan) and Grace Mulligan of Letterkenny, and his cousin Mary Tobin of Letterkenny. He was a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather.
Michael is predeceased by his brothers and sisters: 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.
Michael is also predeceased by his son, Michael A. McAteer, Jr.; and daughters, Marian and Gerri. He is survived by his sons, Francis, Patrick, Richard and wife Ellen, and John; daughters Ellen and Deirdre; as well as six grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am, Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at St. Maximilian Kolbe church in Toms River, with Burial to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Toms River, New Jersey.