Vaughn William Makary's Obituary
Mr. Vaughn William Makary, age 72, passed away at his home in Delray Beach, Florida on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 following a two-year battle with cancer. Vaughn was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on September 3, 1949 to William E. and Ruth (Gibbon) Makary. He graduated from Grove City College with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, and from Kent State University with a Master of Business Administration. Vaughn devoted his fifty-one year career to the steel, metal casting, and railroad supply industries. He formerly served as President and as a board member of the Steel Founders’ Society of America and at one time, was responsible for 33 factories worldwide. He was the owner of Michigan Steel and recently consulted on the building of a new steel manufacturing facility in the United States. Vaughn was an avid golfer and was a member of several clubs, including Muskegon Country Club, Spring Lake Country Club, and Mizner Country Club. He was an eternal optimist. Even though he was given only 4 months to live following his cancer diagnosis, he battled the disease for 2 years and was able to work until his very last day. He was devoted to his family and especially cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren. On August 12, 1972, Vaughn married the former Catharine Dunlevy in New Castle, Pennsylvania. She survives him along with their daughters, Meghan (Steve) Kanzer and Tudor (Aaron) Dixon; five grandchildren, Merritt, Larkin, Elin, Bonnie, and Noelle; sister, Sandra (Geoff) Odell, and his beloved Shih Tzu, Piper. A MEMORIAL SERVICE for Vaughn will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, July 15, 2022 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. MEMORIALS in memory of Vaughn may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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