Bernard Joseph Macones

Bernard "Bern" Joseph Macones Jr., age 78, of Rockaway Township, New Jersey, died on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at Fallsview Nursing Facility in Boonton, New Jersey.
Bern was born and raised in Paterson, NJ to the late Bernard and Wilma Macones. In 1972 he married his beloved wife, Elaine, and in 1978 Bern and Elaine moved to Rockaway, NJ which they have called home for almost 50 years. Bernard was a devout member of the Roman Catholic Church; not only was he a member of St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church in Rockaway, but he was also a Eucharistic Minister which he took great pride in.
Bernard proudly served his country in the Navy during the Vietnam War. After his service in the military, he became a telephone technician and retired from his role in 2003.
Bern had a long-time involvement in the Boy Scouts of America and enjoyed volunteering with the organization for over 30 years. During this time, he participated in Troop 113 activities while his son, Chad, was in the troop, and afterwards, dedicated his time in assisting numerous scouts through their Eagle Scout advancement process. He had been recognized for his efforts by fellow scout leaders earning the Silver Beaver and the Vigil Honor of the Arrow of Light awards.
Bern enjoyed visiting and chatting with friends, relaxing with a good craft beer (but none of that fruit stuff), making people laugh with a gleam of mischief in his eye, spending time with his 8 grandchildren, and being a devoted husband to the love of his life, Elaine.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Bernard Joseph and Wilma Macones.
He is survived by his spouse of 53 years, Elaine Macones; two children, Taryn Macones (David) and Chad Macones (Alyssa); as well as his grandchildren: Josephine, Joseph, Juliette, Simon, Gabriel, Joshua, Adelaide, and Jacob.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 from 4:00-7:00 PM at Whitham-Kanapaux Funeral Home, 20 Keller Ave., Rockaway, NJ 07866. Funeral Mass will be held the following day on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 10:00 AM at St. Cecilia Church in Rockaway. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover.
Condolences may be sent to: RockawayFuneral.com
Memorial contributions in Bernard's name may be directed to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation at t2t.org or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at StJude.org