Maximilian F. Schelle, Jr.

SPARTA, NJ - Maximilian (Max) F. Schelle, Jr. passed into eternal life suddenly, on Monday, February 15, 2016 at his residence. He was 77. Max was born in Queens, NY to Maximilian and Elizabeth (Forster) Schelle, and resided in NYC until moving to Sparta in 1968. He served his country proudly in the US Air Force. Maximilian was the former owner of the Carnegie Tavern in Manhattan until 1971. He also was a professional bartender for over 40 years at the 21 Club and Gallagher’s Steakhouse, two legendary “joints” (as often described by Max) found in a bygone era of New York City. Max always led with a joke and loved to share a laugh with the patrons. So skilled was he at his craft, Max was inducted into the Bartender’s Hall of Fame in 1988. He could regale friends and family for hours with countless anecdotes regarding the various luminaries and titans he served over the years.

Maximilian was a member of the Branchville American Legion Post 157, and Communicant of Our Lady of the Lake RC Church, Sparta. Surviving him is his beloved spouse of 49 years, Ann (Proscia) Schelle, Loving son, Maximilian and his wife Barbara of Sparta, loving daughters; Christine Zazzali and her husband Bart of Hampton, NJ and Nancy Richardson and her husband Scott of Woodstock, Ga. Eight cherished grandchildren; Emma, Molly, Kate, Gina, Kyle, Max IV, Henry, and Abby. He was also survived by a sister, Stephanie Ingersoll of Morris Plains, as well as many nieces & nephews. During the summer months, Max enjoyed spending his weekends with his wife Ann at two of his favorite haunts, Seven Presidents Park in Long Branch & Monmouth Park. In his retirement years, Max liked to go to the YMCA, where he worked out and kibitzed with his cronies, both with equal vigor. In addition, Max could be found passionately cheering on his grandchildren during their various athletic endeavors on the fields and hardwoods of Sussex County and beyond. He cherished nothing more than watching them compete. He was their biggest fan. Family and friends are invited Friday 2~4 and 7~9 pm to Goble Funeral Home 22 Main Street Sparta, NJ 07871. A 10 am Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday at Our Lady of the Lake RC Church, Sparta. Cremation will be private. See: www.goblefuneral.com.