March 13, 1927 - March 8, 2023
George Joseph Maher, a native of Brooklyn, NY, passed away peacefully in Redwood City on March 8, 2023, at the age of 95. He was born March 13, 1927, to Patrick and Barbara Maher. George and his older brother, Eddie, were raised in Brooklyn and Queens, NY. At age 13, George joined Boy Scout Troop 120 of Queens. With the scouts he not only enjoyed many hikes and camping trips, but was recognized as an adept instructor, often teaching other scouts the skills necessary for earning their own merit badges. These years formed a life-long love of the outdoors and service to others. While attending Brooklyn Tech he was a Varsity athlete on the football and baseball teams.
He enlisted in the US Navy in 1944 immediately following his 17th birthday before completing his junior year of high school. George proudly served on the USS Prichett in the Pacific Theater. He was honorably discharged in May 1946 at San Pedro, CA. He ventured north to the Bay Area when a Navy buddy offered a job and lodging with a family friend in Oakland. George enrolled at San Francisco State College to pursue a degree in Physics and Math. While at a SF State Newman Club function he met the love of his life, Marylyn Rosasco. They were married at her family parish, St. Monica's Church, in 1949. In 1951, he and Marylyn moved their home to Redwood City, where they remained the rest of their lives.
George began working with PG&E in 1948 while still a student, first in the substations, then in the field on lines. After finishing his degree, through night school while raising his family, he moved to the Land Department, and finished his career in the Power Control Division. He designed many of the very large transmission lines that cross California. George retired from PG&E in October, 1985 after 37 years of service. Upon his retirement, he became a corporate trainer with the American Red Cross teaching courses in First Aid, CPR, and Water Safety and continued with his various volunteer roles in Scouting and his church.
George was a devout Catholic and remained an active member of St. Pius Parish from its founding in 1951 to the present. He was active in many roles, Eucharistic Minister, Lector, the Senior Group, Scout Leader, St. Pius' Annual Festival (Festival Chair and Booth Chair), Men's Club, and Sports Coach. Some of these roles extended beyond the parish to include Ministering to the sick at Sequoia Hospital and volunteering at the Scouting Center in Foster City. While volunteering at the Scouting Center a simple question, "when did you receive your Eagle?" led to the culmination of a life-long desire to be awarded the Eagle Scout he had earned just before he enlisted. On January 6, 2013 he finally received his Eagle. That story can be seen at https://pacsky.org/george-maher/.
During the latter years of their life, George and Marylyn cherished adventures to Europe and various places around the US. For many years, they walked hand-in-hand daily around Redwood City on a five mile route. People often commented on this display of love and devotion. Together they enjoyed their involvement in Fun After Fifty and AARP of Redwood City, making new friends and taking many day-trips. George also loved the challenge of Sudoku, word, logic, and jigsaw puzzles. He was also a talented handyman. If something broke, he could usually fix it. He loved working with his hands whether repairing a broken pipe, tying flies, or expertly refinishing furniture. He worked carefully and meticulously, and the finished products were beautiful.
But most of all George relished in his role as devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He enjoyed participating with, as well as, watching all engage in sports, work on school projects and homework, or just play around the house. George was an avid fly-fisherman. Family vacations often included trout fishing; his last fishing adventure was this past June. He enjoyed accompanying us to S.F. Giants games, especially those World Series wins, as well as watching the Niners on TV, and the Sharks at the Tank. He was not only proud of all of our achievements, he was proud of how we approached life. The important thing wasn't only the end product, but the way a task was pursued. "Do your best" was what he expected.
George was predeceased by his loving wife, of over 70 years, Marylyn (2020), and is survived by their four children, Mike, Kathy, Mary and Jim, seven grandchildren, Katie, Erin, Kellie, Michelle, Michael, Marcus, and Julia, and three great granddaughters, Charlotte, Madeleine, and London. He will be greatly missed.
A Viewing, Rosary, and Funeral Mass will be held at St. Pius Church on Saturday, March 18, 2023 beginning at 10:00 am.
Private interment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations are made to the St. Vincent DePaul Society of St. Pius Parish, the American Red Cross, or Boy Scouts of America.
