Maxwell “Max” Waas, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2025, surrounded by family. He was 97 years old.
Max was born in Manhattan on October 4, 1927, to Murray Waas and Rae Nadler. The grandson of immigrants from the Netherlands, England, Romania, and the Russian Empire, who saw promise in a new life across the ocean, his early years were shaped by resilience and deep family bonds. After the loss of his mother during infancy, he was raised during the Great Depression by his aunt and uncle, Essie and Sam Rosenberg, from whom he learned sign language. As a child, he once saw the legendary Babe Ruth at a bowling alley in New York City. In 1936, his father married Ceil Schweig, and the family moved to New Jersey, eventually settling in Miami in the early 1940s.
A proud graduate of Miami Beach Senior High School, Max served in the U.S. Navy during the final year of World War II, stationed in San Diego. After completing his service, he attended the University of Miami on the GI Bill, beginning a lifelong devotion to the Miami Hurricanes.
Max met his love, Barbara Speigel, in 1948. They married on March 18, 1949, and they built a remarkable life together over their 63-year marriage. Their story was one of true partnership—raising four children, building businesses, traveling the world, and dedicating themselves to family and community.
From 1953 to 1972, Max ran a home-based accounting practice. In 1972, he, Barbara, and their son Martin co-founded Waas Realty, where Max and Barbara worked side by side until their retirement in 2001. In 1973, he also founded Waas Construction with his son Richard, remaining with the company until 1980. Both companies continue to thrive today in the fields of commercial real estate and construction. For Max, building these businesses—and building them with his children—was one of his greatest joys.
In November 2022, the City of Doral honored Max for his many contributions to the community. Max was a visionary who saw the potential in the Doral area long before others did—when many would simply drive past it on the highway. Today, when you drive by, you’ll see “Maxwell Waas Way” (NW 56th St between NW 79th Ave and NW 87th Ave), a fitting tribute to his legacy.
Max was past president of Beth David Congregation, past president of the Dade County Chapter of the Florida Institute of CPAs, and past president of the Miami Y.M. and Y.W.H.A. He was a member—and founding member—of the Commercial Industrial Association of South Florida (CIASF), formerly known as the Industrial Association of Dade County (IADC).
Max and Barbara were devoted members of Beth David Congregation, Miami’s oldest synagogue. Barbara served as its first female president, and Max was her constant supporter and partner in service. Together, they created the Barbara and Maxwell Waas Preservation Fund to help sustain the synagogue’s future.
Max was a quiet innovator and lifelong learner. A technology enthusiast well before it became mainstream, he delighted in exploring new apps, editing photos, creating personalized greeting cards for every member of his family, and sharing his latest discoveries with those around him. His curiosity was matched only by his warmth and generosity. Max deeply loved his family.
He is survived by his four children: Richard Waas (Shara), Martin Waas (Karen), Susan Kaplan (Earl), and Norman Waas (Deborah); 13 grandchildren: Brandon Waas (Monica), Alaina Delgado (Miguel), Matthew Waas (Rachel), Amanda Sheckman (Jordan), Jeffrey Kaplan (Jackie), Stephanie Panoff (Max), Rachel Mendelsohn (Ben), Jonathan Waas, Michael Waas (Caitlin), Benjamin Waas, Vanessa Jay, Jessica Levi, and David Levi; and 13 great-grandchildren: Aaron, Brooke, Carly, Gabriella, Liam, Maisy, Mason, Milo, Natalie, Norah, Ray, Ruby, and Zachary.
He is also survived by his devoted sisters-in-law, Margie Olkes and Janet Blake, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and cousins near and far.
In his later years, Max was supported by his wonderful and loving aides, Lidia Jean and Joyce Jackson, who provided him with dedicated and compassionate care.
Few people live with the kind of love that Max shared so freely. He was kind, curious, easygoing, and full of quiet joy. He found his greatest happiness in family gatherings, holidays, and University of Miami basketball games with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Max’s memory to the Barbara and Maxwell Waas Preservation Fund at Beth David Congregation.
May his memory be a blessing.
