HORNELL/HARTSVILLE-Max William Muhleisen, 88, of 360 Ells Rd., Hartsville, NY died on Wednesday, August 10th, 2016 following a long-term illness.
Born in Hornell on May 28, 1928, he was the son of Maximilian & Anna Julia (Gropp) Muhleisen.
Max grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (1945). He later attended the University of Buffalo as a pre-med student.
In 1940, Max began a 52-year long commitment to the Boy Scouts of America (Packs 10, 26, 59, 67, and 69), where he received the American Legion Award after becoming Steuben County Scout Coordinator and Assistant District Commissioner.
Well known for his time spent working in grocery, Max was employed for a time at The Market Basket Grocery Store in Dansville as a Produce Manager. He began his Acme career in 1957 as a clerk; working his way up to a Head Produce Clerk, Assistant Supervisor (Hamburg, NY), and eventually Store Supervisor of the Hornell and Bath locations. He then became Regional & District Manager and was charge of several Acme Stores in New York State. Due to a work-related injury, he retired in 1979.
Max had various affiliations with many local chapters and organizations. He was a longtime member of the Free & Accepted Masons (Bath, Hornell, Savona), the Almond Lions Club, and served many years on the Alfred-Almond Central School Board of Education. He was a member at St. Paul’s Church in Hornell.
He enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life. He was an accomplished musician (piano & guitar), an avid reader, chess player, writer, cartoonist and fisherman. Max was also an exceptional track athlete, maintaining the Hornell High School 400m record for nearly 50 years. He loved his cats. Above all, Max was a true humanitarian, dedicating much of his time to those in need.
Max was preceded in death by his daughter, Judy Barros; 2 brothers, Heinz Muhleisen and Herbert Muhleisen.
Surviving are his daughter, Linda (Jerry) Freeman of Dansville; 4 sons, Max Muhleisen of Auburn, Gary (Sue) Muhleisen of Caledonia, Jeff Northrup of Seattle, WA and Michael (Wendy Maki) Muhleisen of Hartsville; 1 brother, Jack (Carol) Muhleisen of Hornell; his former wife, Terry Bedard of Hammondsport; 14 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.
At Max’s request there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Max’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Stephanie’s Animal Rescue & Shelter (Gainesville, NY).
To leave an online condolence or print a memorial form, visit the Dagon Funeral Home.
