ZEPHYRHILLS, FL: John (Jack) Maher answered “last call” on September 10, 2021 at the age of 79 in his home in Zephyrhills, Florida. His amazing sense of direction helped him reunite with his parents, Agnes and John T. Maher and sister Jean all originally of Westfield, MA and many friends.
After selling John T. Maher, Inc. in 1999, he moved to Florida and started his second career at University of South Florida in accounts payable (which he loved), logging in until the very last day. He was known for his exceptionally hard work ethic, quick wit, sense of humor and “inspecting the inside of his eyelids” (which is what he called napping). In his earlier years he enjoyed vacations at Point O’ Woods on the Connecticut coast, motorcycling, boating, skiing, playing tennis and camping. In his later years there were trips to some of his favorite places including the islands of the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Vermont, and Martha’s Vineyard. He enjoyed golfing, reading, Florida theme parks, chick flicks with Sandra Bullock and time with family. Despite significant illness, he was able to rally to make one last trip north to Westfield in July to eat at the Tavern, meet his great granddaughters, and go to the beach for a week with family. It was a “hole in one” that created memories that will last a lifetime. He survived COVID by working from home and playing cribbage with his wife of sixty years, Janet.
He hopes you’ll raise a glass of Miller High Life or a Bloody Mary in his honor to toast a life well-lived. If you need something to eat he’d suggest some of his favorites: corn on the cob or whole belly clams (preferably from Dad’s Restaurant in Niantic, CT) or if you just want something sweet, a popsicle or Snicker’s bar or something crunchy, movie popcorn or chips – be sure to let the crumbs fly! Play music from the 1950s/60s and he’ll be singing along, he knew every single word of every song he’s ever heard.
He leaves behind his wife, Janet (Horkun), daughters Kelley and Kristy (Paul), and son John (JT). He will forever be known as “Pa” to his granddaughter Nikki (Schermerhorn) Luther (Dan) and great-granddaughter Rosie, and granddaughter Becca (Schermerhorn) Felton (Nick) and great-granddaughter Regina.
Although he did not grow up with animals as a child, he secretly came to love all the pets of his marital home and his dying wish was to ensure that animals waiting for adoption at the Westfield Animal Shelter were cared for. In his honor, donations can be made to the non-profit “Hearts to Pawz Project”, https://www.pawzproject.org/
In true Jack style, he donated his body to United Tissue Foundation because, in his words, “I’m freaking amazing.” We invite you to join us and celebrate his life in Westfield, MA when COVID has settled, so we can party just like he would have wanted. He’s on the back 9, is two under par and will meet you at the clubhouse.
