One of my favorite teachers at Xavier High School. We always felt his sense of concern for us as human beings, young adolescents trying to find our way. I still think of him often. Wishing peace and strength to his family. 

Jack Oliva 
Xavier HS ‘67

Mr Makuta changed my life. His passion for literature, poetry and plays instilled in me a love of all the things he celebrated. It’s been almost 60 years, but I keenly remember how fervently he would read a favorite poem; it was like attending a one-man Broadway play. I remember how he staged Romeo and Juliet in his classroom, having students act out, not just read, various parts. And I remember how one day he played a concert by Bartok. Feel the music!
Mr Makuta inspired me to major in English in college, focusing on poetry, rather than the more traditional biology for a pre-med student. Because of the path he put me on, I eventually went on to write a weekly health column in the Washington Post for 15 years, and become editor of the best-read medical journal for 30 years. I don’t think I would have pursued those roles without his fostering a love of literature, compassion for others, and joy for life. I’ve taught thousands of students at Georgetown medical school for over 40 years, and I can only wish that I had a fraction of the impact on one student that Mr Makuta had on me. 
Over the years I’ve tried to locate Mr Makuta to let him know how wonderful a teacher he was and how much he meant to me. I even contacted Xavier, saying I’d make a special donation in his honor if they could put me in touch, but to no avail. Amazingly, last month I was going through some boxes of memorabilia that I hadn’t touched in decades. I came across a graduation program from Xavier that listed faculty, saw his name, and decided to try again. I Googled around for an hour, but without any luck. So, it was bittersweet when I saw the announcement from Xavier earlier today. I reconnected, but too late to tell him myself.
I noticed that when he taught our class he was only 9 years older than me. That really surprised me, because he seemed to have a lifetime of knowledge, experience, and wisdom to impart, and I am all the better for it. Mr Makuta, thank you.
Jay Stanley Siwek, MD
Xavier ‘67

Here is a letter that I very recently wrote. I don't know if it got there in time.

Dear Mr. Makuta,
	
	This note is long overdue. Over the years, decades now, I've mentioned to friends and family that you were and still are, a positive force in my life. You boosted my self-confidence when I had very little and of course, my love of writing. As you may remember, X was a difficult time for me. Asking me to submit a poem for the NYC Jesuit HS contest in my Junior year did me great favor. My poem, The Jar, was judged to be the first in the Junior year division. I received, I think, a $5.00 prize. I might have I spent it on a Lovin' Spoonful record. My Dad and Mom made a big deal of it and Dad made many copies of the poem to give to many friends and family. Many of my classmates supported me too. All that positive attention helped me beyond what I can express.
	I always looked forward to your classes, insights and challenges. Gym was a close second, so that's a big compliment.

With warmth, respect and hope,
Jim Van Gieson   Xavier class of 1968


Ed was one of my teachers at Xavier.  Few people have had as great an impact on my life as he did.   More than any one thing that he taught me in class was the importance of questioning, not simply accepting, everything I was told.  He also was a passionate person and a bit of a ham.  He had a great voice and I remember when he sang “Summertime” at a talent show at Xavier.  As he started to walk off to applause, he paused and looked at the audience as if to say “Encore?” 
We saw each other a few times in the years after Xavier then lost touch for several decades until we reconnected a few years ago.  My wife and I visited him several times on the Cape and they developed a strong friendship.  We last saw him when we had a wonderful lunch together in early January marked by long conversations about life, politics, etc. It was like being back at Xavier.    I have lost a good friend. I will miss him terribly.


I was happy that Ed and I somehow reconnected a few years ago and exchanged emails regularly.  Mr. Makuta was easily my favorite teacher at Xavier High School way back in the 1960s. He taught English and had a great style.  He was fun to be around: a regular guy.  When one of the student/cadets got “out of line,” Ed would simply give him that steely stare, say “Hey Boy” and the problem was resolved. He  was a really good basketball player, and I appreciated that he’d beat our Prefect of (excess) Discipline on the court. Ed’s book of short stories, “Affectionately … in Jesus and Mary” is outstanding and somewhat autobiographical. It sits on my nightstand.  I’ll miss him.  

Ed was a great cousin to my dad and our family.  I remember walks along the Cape with Ed. I will cherish our emails about fine wines and I hope to be as well versed as Ed one day! Ed, I hope you’re enjoying plenty of delicious wines in heaven. Lots of love 
Kelly Jamison Weber

Ed was not only a friend, but co-worker, confidant, wine lover, cook and great story teller.   Sincerest condolences to all family and friends. 

OBITUARIO

Edward A. Makuta

15 junio, 1940 – 25 marzo, 2023

Doane Beal & Ames

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