Robert J. Maher

Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, on March 23, 1924, Bob was the son of the late Thomas Francis and Mary (Murphy) Maher. He was raised and educated in Lowell and graduated from Lowell High School.

Bob and Anna married on October 8, 1949. As a couple of great faith, they raised six children in Lynn, Massachusetts. Bob proudly cherished his ever-growing family and was always happy to count the members of four generations they created. Becoming the patriarch of his Irish family, he is survived by his children, Patricia Mallett and her husband William, Mary Larson and her late husband Richard, Daniel Maher and his partner Linda Cronin, James Maher and his wife Kim, Peggy Carter and her partner Bill Stocco, Laurie Clark and her husband Charles. He also leaves behind a former daughter-in-law, Mary Jane Maher.

Known as Papa, he will be missed by his beloved grandchildren. They are Kerry Harnois, Bill Harnois and his wife Meaghan Watt, Robert Larson, Jeffrey Larson, Timothy Larson and his partner, Laura Sweeney, Molly Plant and her husband Nate, Daniel Maher, Katherine Barney and her husband Nick, Patrick Maher and his wife Torie, Courtney Jesberger and her husband Zach, Kasey Hartless, Kelly Holey and her husband PJ., Thomas Carter and his wife Rose, Dr. Meghan Carter, Ryan Clark and his wife Cristina, and Sean Clark.

Sixteen great-grandchildren (and one on the way) have been blessed to have Old Poppy in their lives. They include Evangeline, Keenan, Jaycek, and Eleanor Gosselin; Evan and Elle-Mary Larson; Frankie-Jean and Eno Plant; Reagan and Ryan Barney; Colin Maher; Kelsey and Cameron Hartless; Hannah Holey; Alison and William Carter.

Bob was the loving brother of the late Thomas Maher, Mary Fitzpatrick, and Pauline Hartigan. He also leaves behind a sister-in-law Patricia Keenan and many treasured nieces and nephews.

At the age of eighteen, Bob joined his brother, cousins, and friends and went to fight in World War II. Enlisting with the Army’s 82nd Airborne, Combat Division, he was deployed to France, Belgium, and Germany. Although he never shared his war stories, he firmly believed “The real heroes are still over there.” Bob was stationed in Germany at the time of the surrender and completed his final jump at the Potsdam Conference. After the war, and throughout his life, Bob’s utmost respect for the American Flag and his country was paramount.

Bob served for thirty years on the Lynn Fire Department. Rising to the rank of Captain, his focus became saving lives and helping others. Recently, he was honored by Chief Archer for his efforts at the Great Lynn Fire. He was a member of The Lynn Firefighters’ Union Local 739, and Lynn Firefighters’ Relief Association.

In his younger days, Bob built a camping trailer for his family. Year after year, all summer long, six kids and a collie dog would pile into the beach wagon and head to White Lake State Park or Lake Sebago. These adventures transitioned into building a camp in Northwood, New Hampshire, where many wonderful memories were created. He taught his grandchildren to fish, play cribbage, and maintain bonfires they will always remember.

Bob and Anna retired to Madeira Beach, Florida, and were blessed with twenty-five happy years along the Florida coastline. Bob played cards with his buddies, served as a building governor, fished in the lagoon, and danced away the nights at the American Legion Post 273. Bob and Anna made many deep friendships and enjoyed every precious minute they had together.

Bob’s love for the Boston Red Sox was lifelong and he rarely missed watching a game. Back in his Lowell days, he and his mother would gather around a radio in the front parlor to take in every inning. Bob’s garden was gorgeous, and he grew the sweetest, plump tomatoes. He taught us to appreciate and feed the birds, toast the sunsets, and pray for family members both here and deceased. Having kissed the Blarney Stone, his gift of gab and warm personality helped to create many friendships. He was especially fond of his friends in Salisbury, Massachusetts.

Throughout his life Bob enjoyed sharing his love for poetry. Quotes from Robert Frost were frequently on the tip of his tongue. “The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep. And miles to go before I sleep.”

After ninety-eight and a half years, the miles ran out for Bob. He will be missed beyond measure.

“Slainte!”

Family and friends are cordially invited to attend Robert’s funeral Mass on Monday, October 17, at 10 am in St. Pius V Church, 215 Maple St., Lynn. Please meet directly at the church. His Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Lynn. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Robert’s name to Saint Jude’s at www.stjude.org