Published in the April 27, 2018 edition

MELROSE — Thomas J. Maher, Jr., 84, of Melrose, passed away at the Winchester Hospital on April 22, 2018. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Tom was born in Manhattan, N.Y. and raised in the Bronx. He attended Machine & Metal Trades High School in New York City and completed his education in the U.S. Navy at the United States Armed Forces Institute and proudly served his country during the Korean War. Tom resided most of his life in N.Y. until moving to Melrose nine years ago. He worked as a repairman for the New York Telephone Company for 37 years before his retirement in 1991.

In his youth, Tom played semi-pro soccer for the Yonkers Scots Soccer Clubs, for many years he was a senior usher for his church in Westbury, Long Island, N.Y. and enjoyed spending summers in Dennisport on Cape Cod. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Deer Park, N.Y., the USS Albany Assoc. and also the U.S. Navy Cruisers Association.

Tom loved watching football, soccer, baseball, hockey and his favorite teams were the Yankees, Rangers and the N.Y. football Giants. He was a big Melrose Red Raiders fan, enjoying many hours at Melrose sporting events cheering on his grandsons. His family was by far the most important part of his life. His perfect day would be a cookout in the yard with his wife, children, seven grandchildren and great grandson.

Tom was the beloved husband of Joan T. (O’Neill) Maher for 63 years. Loving father of Eileen M. Spies and her husband James of N.Y. and Maureen T. Maher and her husband Steve of Melrose. Cherished grandfather of Kathleen and her husband Justin, Megan and her fiance Andrew, Daniel, Brendan, Ryan, Liam and Sean. Great-grandfather of Charles. Caring brother of Ann Brothers and her late husband Mike of N.J. and the late John Maher and his late wife Mary and the late Roger Maher and his wife Anita of N.J. Brother-in-law of Madeline Lisnak and her late husband Mike of N.Y. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Visiting hours were held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Wednesday, April 25. A funeral service was held at the Gately Funeral Home on Thursday, April 26. Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to attend. Burial with military honors at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, in Bourne, Mass. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Melrose Veteran’s Memory Project, c/o Veteran’s Office, 562 Main St., Melrose, MA 02176. For directions and to sign online condolence visit www.gatelyfh.com.