Martin Maulbeck

He was blessed with the opportunity to say goodbye to many of those closest to him.

Martin was born on November 29, 1952, in Newark, NJ, to parents Benedict and Margaret (Behling) Maulbeck. He was the third of eight children and grew up in a raucous household full of laughter and love on Tulip Street in Summit, NJ. Martin graduated from Oratory Prep in 1972 alongside his brother, Michael Maulbeck. He went on to spend his youth voraciously drinking in life, holding an eclectic collection of jobs ranging from caddying at golf courses to serving ice cream to working on cruise ships to see more of the world. His passion for animals led him to years of fulfilling work training thoroughbred racehorses, a career that allowed him to continue to travel to all corners of the globe.

Once his appetite for adventure was sated, Martin settled down and married his wife, Debbie (Slyker) Maulbeck, in 1992. Martin went on to father two children with Debbie, Stephanie and Michael Maulbeck, with whom he shared his many passions. Weekends were often spent bowling, fishing, and fixing up their house together.

The job that became Martin’s life’s work was that of a gravedigger at St. Teresa Cemetery, a career that spanned 34 years. A man of deep and unshakeable faith, Martin cherished his work helping people transition into their final reward. Towards the end of his own life, this faith left Martin completely unbothered by the specter of death, assured that the next phase of his journey was something to look forward to.

Martin’s family consistently recalls his dependability. In good times and in bad, he did whatever was needed to make sure there was food on the table and a roof over their heads. He bore this burden without complaint, and without ever letting it shade his bright sense of humor, which always kept the family laughing and smiling. This dependability and humor extended beyond those close to him. Martin can be remembered often helping strangers in need and making friends everywhere he went with his playful personality.

Martin was preceded in death by his parents, Benedict and Margaret (Behling) Maulbeck; his sisters, Theresa Maulbeck and Mary (Maulbeck) Poppele; and his brother, Michael Maulbeck.

Martin is survived by his wife, Debbie (Slyker) Maulbeck; his daughter, Stephanie Maulbeck; his son, Michael Maulbeck; his brothers, Carl (Janet), Peter (Ginny), Gregor (Joan), and Mark (Lynn) Maulbeck; his sister-in-law Brenda (Brase) Maulbeck, and his brother-in-law, Jeff Poppele. Finally, Martin is survived by many loving nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors.

The Funeral Service will be held at Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel in Cedar Knolls, NJ, on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 10:00 AM. A burial service will follow immediately after at St. Teresa Cemetery in Summit, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The ALS Association at www.ALS.org.