Obituary of Michael M. Mokris

Michael M. Mokris of Jackson, NJ passed away peacefully the morning of August 18, 2024.  Michael was born in Pringle, Pennsylvania on February 24, 1933 to Celestine Lubereski Mokrzycki and Michael John Mokrzycki.  Michael attended T.H.  Williams Elementary and Pringle High School. He left Pringle, moving to Jersey City to live with his grandmother while he attended Newark College of Engineering (now known as NJIT).  He graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering in 1956. After graduation he entered the United States Air Force as an officer.  He was honorably discharged in 1960.

After the Air Force Mike launched his career in sales. He worked for Allis Chalmers, ASCO and Emerson Electric. In 1962 Mike met and married Joan Ann Galligan of Newark NJ. Joan and Mike met skiing, as both were members of the Short Hills Ski Club.  They were married on October 19, 1963 and started their family.  During this time there were moves to Chicago and St Louis before moving back to New Jersey.

In 1970 Mike started his own business called Goyen Controls of America Ltd. with exclusive sales rights for the United States and Canada.  Mike started a second business called Pulsonics Corporation which made bin stimulation equipment.  Both companies were sold in the early 1980s.

During this time his family made their home in Bay Head, NJ where they spent time on the Barnegat Bay water skiing, fishing and boating.  Mike was an avid swimmer, and could be found afternoons until the end of September swimming laps off North St beach in Bay Head.  Early retirement left Mike with some time on his hands. Not one to stay idle, he found activities to keep him busy. There was travel with his family, skiing and island trips were frequent.  The family moved to Colts Neck, NJ where Mike was active in the Colts Neck Lions Club and served on the board.  He was also active in Freehold Habitat for Humanity serving on the board as well as supervising the building of four homes.  Mike and Joan were active members of The Parish of Saint Mary in Colts Neck. They took many trips abroad with other members of the church community.

Mike and Joan enjoyed camping and had several RV trailers which were enjoyed by everyone including several of the grandchildren.  Mike and Joan also traveled to Europe several times. There were many trips to Florida, up and down the east coast, Canada; Mike and Joan traveled cross country as empty nesters.

After Joan’s passing Mike was involved with several social groups among them a ballroom dancing club.  He met a wonderful partner in Gwen Bauman and they spent over 10 years together.  There were trips abroad, winters spent in Florida, and many family gatherings that Gwen was a welcome part of.  Gwen passed away in the summer 2022. 

Mike has been living with his daughter Anne and her children, when they are home from college, since August of last year.  During this time the family has come together to celebrate several holidays, birthdays and just to celebrate life.  He is survived by his children Anne, Peter, Michael and Patricia; daughters/son-in-laws Mary Mokris, Stefani Mokris, Adam Scribner; grandchildren Julia, Mary, Abigail, Armand, Emily, Michael, Grace, Michael and Sarah.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael’s honor can be made to the Habitat for Humanity of Monmouth County.