Mr. Martin Joseph “Joe” Maher, 86, husband of Joyce Lee Maher and a resident of Atlantic, passed away Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, Md. Born Sept. 13, 1933, in Syracuse, N.Y., he was a son of the late Maurice Maher and Viola Ryan Maher.
Following high school, Mr. Maher attended St. Jerome’s Seminary School in Canada. Just before completing his schooling to become ordained as a Catholic priest, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Upon honorable discharge as staff sergeant, Mr. Maher continued to pursue his education at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, where he later received his bachelor’s degree. He began his career as a computer analyst with Smith-Corona Marchant, retiring after 15 years. In his younger years, Mr. Maher was an avid slalom water skier and golfer, both of which he very much enjoyed. In 1995, he and Joyce relocated to the Eastern Shore of Virginia, where Mr. Maher quickly became a vital member of the community. He was the longtime office manager for AJ’s on the Creek, on Chincoteague Island, a dedicated member of Atlantic Volunteer Fire and Rescue, having served as secretary for 22 years, and a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Mr. Maher was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend to all, and he will be greatly missed.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by their children, Matthew Maher, of Milford, Conn., Kevin Maher, of Oxford, Conn., Brian Maher and wife, Diane, of Mexico, Maine; and Elizabeth Maher Ovesny and husband, Charles, of Southbury, Conn.; sisters, Mary Evans, of Cicero, N.Y., Maureen Tranelli, of North Syracuse, N.Y., Monica Miller and husband, Rodney, of Fulton, N.Y., and Margaret Paul and husband, Arthur, of Oneida, N.Y.; brothers, James Maher and wife, Ann, of Liverpool, N.Y., and John Michael Maher and wife, Doreen, of Bristol, Va.; grandchildren, Sabrina Maher, Mark and Zachary Ovesny, and Shane, Melissa, and Thomas Maher; and several nieces and nephews. Other than his parents, he was predeceased by sisters, Martha Palmer and Marie Cole; and brother, Gerald Maher.
A luncheon in honor and celebration of Mr. Maher’s life will be held at Atlantic Volunteer Fire and Rescue Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019, at 2 p.m.
Contributions in Mr. Maher’s memory may be made to the Atlantic Volunteer Fire & Rescue Co., P.O. Box 207, Atlantic, VA 23303.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
