Valrico, FL — Max (aka Thom) Staszak, 78 of Valrico, FL passed from this world on November 7, 2020. He was welcomed into Heaven by his beloved Nancy and faithful pup, Hunter. His passing from cardiac arrest came as a shock to his family and friends, who loved him very much. Due to the ongoing pandemic, a memorial service will be held at a later date.

Max was larger than life. He was a leader, and a driven, caring, gregarious man. Wherever he went, his bright blue eyes would sparkle; even more so when he laughed, which he did often.

Max had an easy smile and a baritone laugh. He was loved by many and was a successful entrepreneur. Max was not shy about his political opinions, whether it was supporting his candidate or leading the ranks of the Tampa Builder's Association in a march at the Florida State Capitol. Anyone who spent time with Max usually had an accompanying story about it.

He was a perfectionist and not everyone knew his softer side. However, because he loved so deeply, if you were fortunate enough to be loved by him, you knew it. For example, when you left him, he would wave good-bye until you were out of sight, whether that was just down the street or waving to departing planes from the roof of Tampa's airport. You could always count on him calling on your birthday no matter where you were, singing the way only he could; loudly and off-key. His favorite place in the world was Sanibel, FL. He could be found there with regularity, floating in the water, and enjoying the view of the world from the Gulf of Mexico.

Max made his way from New York to Florida in 1978; ultimately putting his roots down in Tampa/Valrico. It was in Florida that he left his legacy. After selling homes for others, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to form his own real estate brokerage in 1996, Gulf Coast Development of Tampa Bay. This led to a partnership in MacRiley Homes. The following year, 1997, he served as President of the Builders Association of Greater Tampa Bay, with the unending support of his wife Nancy. Max was instrumental in the residential development of southeastern Hillsborough County. He led the development of dozens of sub-divisions throughout the area. Thousands of families live in homes throughout Valrico and Brandon that were built by Max.

Upon retirement, he filled his days; always keeping busy, never a nap, "You can sleep when you're dead", he always said. He enjoyed yoga classes; and having always been an avid reader, he wrote many short stories based on his lifelong exploits. Those stories are treasured by his family.

Max was born on September 7, 1942 in Richmond Hill, NY. He was raised in Flushing, NY. His father, Joseph C. Staszak worked for Upjohn and his Mother, Dorothy M. (Foley) Staszak was a homemaker, raising three boys: Max, Joseph and Richard. Max shared classes with Rudy Giuliani at Bishop Loughlin Memorial High and went on to attend St. John's University.

He married Maureen Harrington on May 8,1965, they had two children, Elizabeth & Tom. Once divorced, he moved to Florida and met his beloved Nancy Newberg, who became Nancy Staszak on Nov 7, 1981 and they had a son, Maximillian. While raising Maximillian, they were the caregivers of both of his parents. Upon Nancy's sudden passing in 2014, to address the pain of his loss, he joined a grief counseling group. At this group, he met Maryon Marsh, who became his cherished fiancée. They both looked forward to cruising and enjoying steamed mussels again, but that was not to be. Left to cherish his memory are his family and friends, especially his three children: Elizabeth, Tom and Maximillian. Beloved "Pop" is also greatly missed by his two granddaughters, Stella and Amelia, who lit up his days.