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John G. Maher
Born in Windsor Locks, Connecticut and long time resident of Delanco, John Maher died at the age of 93. He is survived by Irene (nee Paykos), his wife of 66 years, by his daughter Karin Nemeth (Steven) of Delanco, his son Terrence (Rosanne) of Philadelphia, his grandchildren: Erin Johnson, Andrew Maher and John Nemeth and by his great-granddaughter, Madison as well as by several nieces and nephews in Connecticut, Mississippi and New Jersey.
He was proud of his family, his Catholic faith, his military service and his Irish citizenship derived from both sets of grandparents.
For many years he was a teacher and disciplinarian at Burlington City High School and enjoyed meeting former students at reunions of classes from 1950 through 1960. He was also a principal at Burlington Township High School.
At one time active in community affairs, he served one term on the Delanco Board of Education. He was quite proud of his leadership effort which marshaled local opposition to a Sewage Authority proposal to abandon Beverly and move services to Willingboro. He was later appointed to the Authority.
From Army Private at the start of World War II, through infantry combat as a rifle platoon leader and heavy weapons company commander in Europe, to retirement as a full Colonel, he has had a lengthy and rewarding association with the military. His most significant assignment came after returning from Europe when he was posted to Fort Lewis, Washington. There he met Irene, an Army nurse from Roebling, NJ. They married at Fort Dix the following year. It was she who insisted he return to college and who guided him ever since.
He has been active as one of the organizers of the Fort Dix-McGuire Chapter of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge and served ten years as Honorary Commander of the 821st Air Mobility Squadron and the 816th Global Mobility Squadron.
When a member of Saint Peter’s Parish, he was Founding President of the Parish Council and Founding President of the Saint Peter’s School Advisory Board. His lasting gift to Saint Peter’s is the stained glass he made for the side windows by the inner entry doors.
Come celebrate John’s 93 wonderful years (May 3, 1920-July 1, 2013) Sunday from 6-8 PM and Monday 9-10 AM at the Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside. Mass of Christian Burial to follow at Jesus the Good Shepherd Church (St. Peter’s Site), 101 Middleton St., Riverside, NJ 08075 at 10:30 AM. Interment Monument Cemetery, Beverly. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to Samaritan Hospice 5 Eves Dr., Suite 300 Marlton, NJ 08053 or to the St. Vincent de Paul Society via the church.
15 Comments
Rest in eternal peace. Thank you for influencing my life in so many ways. You were one of the most universally respected men I have known. Strength to the entire Maher family.
Personally speaking, “one thought on J.G. Maher” is an impossible task but I understand the need for brevity here. What can one say about a man who helped supervise his bride’s little sister (my mom) after both of her parents passed at such a young age? Truly a selfless & noble gentleman.
I will cherish every moment we shared & love him dearly.
Peace be with you, Uncle John.
Karin I am very sorry for your loss. God bless your Dad, Mom and all of your family.
My association with John was mostly as a golfing partner,but i knew him for many years since his teaching career at Burlington high. To me, John was alw ays pleasant and being with him was fun. He was the perfect gentleman – and a great golfer. He treated me to a round at McGuire AFB several years ago. After play we went to the officers club. There, friends of John came to chat and I learned the extent of his heroism during the battle of the bulge. A great number of his company were killed and wounded in battle. John had never mentioned this earlier. A wonderful American. Fitting he should pass near Independence Day. I will miss him.
Mr. Maher was a great American, and a gracious neighbor. His commitment to God, to community, and to country provide a great example for all.
mr. maher was my favorite teacher in high school and also my homeroom teacher. I would see him over the years and it was always a pleasure. my thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and children.
AN AMAZING MAN!!! I would like to believe that I am a better person because of JOHN MAHER! As the saying goes, “You remember the name of your first grade teacher, who will remember yours”. He taught me that! Not quite first grade but a person who changed people’s lives. The people of Burlington were very fortunate to have had him teach in Burlington City High for many years and I was one of them.
I feel very fortunate to have had him and his lovely wife join the BCH Class of 1964 at many of our reunions. His family is in our prayers.
Many students from BCHS have been blessed by their contact with Mr. Maher, a true gentleman, competent teacher and gracious human being. Ninety-three remarkable years! Can’t forget those bowties!
Irene & Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mr. Maher was such an inspiration to all of us and a lifetime friend. I have so many great memories from our days at Burlington Township and our golf outings. He will always be fondly remembered.
John Maher, Col, USA, Ret, my high school history teacher and speech coach, was a true soldier, teacher, principal, citizen and gentleman who could make a bow tie wiggle when you would least expect it! He was a role model for me in many ways! I was so glad to see and talk with him at my last class reunion! He was a student of government and often wrote very insightful letters to the editor of area newspapers. Thank you John for all that you have given your country and your students! I remember you fondly!
John was one of my favorite teaches at BHS and a major reason for my electing to study history in college. I was also a member of the Debating Club which he supervised. During my senior year I frequently stopped by his classroom after school to talk about course selections in college. He passed on to me his college history notes of which I made frequent use.
I always looked forward to seeing John at high school reunions and to reading his letters to the editor in the Burlington County Times. I was so pleased to have a last opportunity to see him at a luncheon reunion in April. I will miss him dearly.
Mr. Maher, teacher of the highest caliber, administrator held in the highest esteem and above all a man who impacted the lives of thousands of students with his dedication and and personality. The students of Burlington City can never forget the impact you had on our lives and also how you inspired some of us to choose education as our career. Our deepest sympathy to the family but know his memory lives on in the students he taught over the years.
I speak for the entire Potter family in extending condolences to the Maher family. Mr. Maher has been a part of our family (in the school distrit) for many, many, years. He was a great leader as a principal at Burlington Township.
I extend heartfelt condolences to the Maher family from the Sandusky family. Mr. Maher taught my parents at BHS and was the Principal when my siblings and I attended BTHS. Mr. Maher was such a wonderful mix of stern and funny. He could halt you in your steps with one look and have you laughing with one dry remark. He was always respected and will be fondly remembered.
If Mr. Maher asked you a question he was interested in your answer because he was interested in you. I felt that as a child 50 years ago and as recently as last month. I am so sorry for the loss to this wonderful family.