Obituary of Carl Theodore Maier

Carl Theodore Maier was born on August 11, 1939 to Hedwig and Karl Maier, in Mount Vernon, NY. 

 

In the 1950’s, Carl attended Mount Saint Michael’s Academy in the Bronx. After High School, Carl served honorably in the U.S. Coast Guard reserves, embodying valor and dedication while also working beside his Pop in their Bronx, NY butcher shop, Maier’s Pork Store. 

 

From his earliest days, he looked forward to the annual tradition of setting up the train set under the Christmas Tree. This cultivated a deep-seated passion for Lionel trains, a fascination that bloomed into a lifelong hobby. His meticulously crafted layouts consisted of an entire town nestled in the the mountains complete with every element imaginable, even working street lamps, and consumed an entire room in his home. His craftsmanship and his extensive train collection now stands as part of a captivating exhibit at the Railroad Museum of Long Island, where his love for trains continues to inspire countless admirers.

 

Beyond his fondness for trains, Carl found great contentment in the outdoors, through his pursuits of hunting, fishing, and boating. He enjoyed the camaraderie experienced at car shows, revelling in the rumble of engines and skillful mechanics of his youth through the timeless craftsmanship of classic and vintage automobiles. Additionally, Carl's adventurous spirit was without limits as he embarked on journeys around the globe, immersing himself in diverse cultures and enriching his global perspective. 

 

Carl thoroughly enjoyed sharing his German heritage and often prepared meals and hosted gatherings, ranging from cozy dinners to grand Oktoberfest celebrations, complete with his iconic lederhosen and alpine Bavarian fedora. His repertoire of jokes and anecdotes, often centered around his German background, never failed to elicit laughter. Carl embraced every facet of life with enthusiasm, radiating joy and making every individual he met feel valued and cherished. He embodied the essence of camaraderie, humor, and genuine warmth, leaving an indelible mark wherever he went.

 

On February 5, 2024 Carl passed away in Englewood, FL. He is reunited with his beloved wife, Antje Maier, in the embrace of eternity. His departure leaves a profound void in the hearts of those he touched. He is survived by his cherished sister, Elizabeth Leitner, his niece, Marybeth (Ted) Zeman, nephew, Brian (Jackie) Leitner, his adoring grandnephews Robert, Joshua, Justin, and Dylan, his treasured grandniece, Sarah, as well as his extended family in Germany.  

 

Carl's heart found solace and renewed love in the tender companionship of his dear fiancée, Lois Swaney, alongside whom he forged a new chapter of loving devotion. Carl's affection knew no bounds, extending to Lois's children and grandchildren, whom he embraced as his own with unwavering endearment. 

 

His memory shall endure in all of our hearts as a testament to a life richly lived and his love endlessly shared.

 

A Celebration of Life will be held at Englewood Methodist Church, Monday, April 8 at 10am. 

 

A memorial service will be held at Christ Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Hampton Bays, NY on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 11am. http://www.coslchurch.org/

 

To honor Carl’s kind and generous nature, donations may be made to Make-a-Wish Foundation or to a charity of your choice. 

To support Make-a-Wish in memory of Carl, electronic gifts may be made at http://site.wish.org/goto/CarlMaier or by mail with this form http://site.wish.org/site/TRGiftForm?fr_id=5584&px=10056527. 

 

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