Obituary of John E. Makkai

John E. Makkai passed in Tucson, AZ on October 1, 2014. He was born April 21, 1931 in Carteret, NJ and attended Carteret High School. John served in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955, with the Headquarters 43rd Bomb Wing based out of Davis-Monthan AFB. He arrived in Tucson in 1952 and remained after his honorable discharge as a Staff Sergeant. John was employed as City Manager for Midway Drive-In Theaters and later worked in the insurance industry until his retirement. He was the Founder of American Family Day, Arizona's 14th officially recognized state holiday, which is celebrated on the first Sunday in August. He was a Founding Director of the Boys Clubs of America in Tucson, a former Grand Knight of Tucson Council 1200 of the Knights of Columbus and was parish chairman for the Diocese of Tucson's Annual Bishops Appeal Campaign for over 40 years. Preceded in death by his parents, John M. Makkai and Helen Fetyko Makkai; brother, Alex Makkai and sister, Shirley Somerville. He is survived by children, John E. Jr. (La Quinta, CA), Mary (Columbus, OH), Elizabeth (Washington, DC) and Susan (Louisville, CO) Makkai; brother, Albert (Maureen) Makkay (Centerville, MA); three grandchildren and five nieces and nephews. Services will be held on Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at 1:00 p.m., at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please mark the First Sunday of August annually in your calendars to celebrate American Family Day in John's honor. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel.