Eugene Francis McAteer, Jr., 86, of Bedminster passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at Overlook Hospital in Summit.

He was born in Jersey City on June 13, 1938, a twin son along with James Burke McAteer, to Eugene F. Sr. and Eileen McDonough McAteer.  He was raised in Kearney having attended Queen of Peace in North Arlington until moving to Florham Park and graduating from Bayley Ellard High School in Madison in 1957.  He attended St. Michael’s College in Winooski, VT for 2 years.

Mr. McAteer worked in the restaurant business starting at the age of 13.  He was drafted into the US Army and served in a medical unit from 1961 to 1963.  In 1964, along with his brother and dad, he opened The Twins Inn in Chester.  In 1966 he married Nona Mae Magher and they settled in Watchung where they raised four children.  Gene opened two other restaurants; McAteer’s Restaurant in Somerset for 6 years and the Meyersville Inn.  While living in Watchung, Gene also built two homes.  After selling his businesses, Gene moved to Bedminster in 1994.  After a brief retirement, he rejoined his cousins’ business at Rod’s Restaurant at the Madison Hotel in Convent Station where he served as catering manager for 22 years before retiring.

Mr. McAteer excelled in all aspects of the restaurant business for over 60 years.  The success he enjoyed was an extension of his personal character.  Gene lived his life on the belief that one should treat people fairly, tell the truth, work hard and do things the right way.  He had a lifelong love of God, family and country.

Gene was predeceased by his twin brother, James Burke McAteer, and by a sister, Agnes Strong.

He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 59 years, Nona M. McAteer; 2 sons, Eugene F. McAteer III and his wife, Stacy, of Warren and J. John McAteer of Oceanport; 2 daughters, Kathleen M. Updike of Washington, NJ and Nona M. Sposito and her husband, Joseph, of Madison, CT; and 7 grandchildren, Erin Mae, Eugene F. IV, Peter Joseph, Nicholas George, Matthew James, Mary Kathleen and Shawn Francis all of whom he touched and inspired with his uncommon love, decency and understanding.  His family will still gather to tell stories and cherish memories especially of Thanksgivings and trips to Ogunquit and Avalon.

A memorial mass will be held at St. Brigid Roman Catholic Church, 129 Main Street, Peapack on Saturday, June 21 at 10:30am.  Arrangements are by Layton Funeral Home, 475 Main Street, Bedminster.