Richard Newcomb Maher

Richard Newcomb (Dick) Maher passed away peacefully on January 24th, 2016 after a period of declining health. He was 86 years old. Dick was born on May 30, 1929 in Davenport, Iowa, the third of six children of F.D. (Bud) Maher and Jane Lane Maher. After graduation from Immaculate Conception High School in Cedar Rapids IA he entered the U.S. Army Air Corp, serving six years as a drill instructor and head of the Military Police at Lackland Air Force Base and in the Philippines during the Korean conflict. Upon his return he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Iowa. During this time he met the former Elizabeth (Betty) Zieser, who would become his loving wife of over sixty years. Dick is survived by Betty and by their five children, Mike (Julie) of Trumbull, CT, Ann (Gary) Gorton, also of Trumbull, Tom Maher, of Houston TX, Katie Maher of Stratford, and Patrick Maher of Fairfield. He is also survived by his six grandchildren, Thomas, Megan, Christopher, Ryan, Emma and Kaitlyn Gorton, and by his sister, Gloria Fagan of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, his brother Jim Maher and his wife Rosemary of Overland Park, KS, his sister in law Jean Greif of Coggon, IA, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his brothers Denis, John and William. Dick began his long career with telephones during college, climbing poles in small towns in Iowa while Betty ran the local switchboard. After graduation he took an entry level engineering position with General Telephone of Illinois and was soon recognized for his talents. Dick was promoted to GTE headquarters in 1970 and he and Betty moved their family to Fairfield, where he resided for the next 45 years. He retired from GTE as the Director of Capital Recovery after a thirty-three year career. Along the way Dick also contributed in a number of civic organizations, Junior Achievement, the Cub Scouts, Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, Toastmasters, the Holy Name Society and as an usher at Holy Family Church. Most important, he devoted his time as a tutor, mentor and friend to his children and grandchildren, whom he adored. Dick was a good and loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and community member who never had a bad word to say about anyone. To the end he was always coming up with ideas about how to make things better. His wake will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, January 29, 2016 at the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road in Fairfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 10 a.m. meeting directly at Holy Family Church, 700 Old Stratfield Road in Fairfield. Burial with military honors will follow at Lawncroft Cemetery on Black Rock Turnpike in Fairfield. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, or to the Trumbull Police Cadets Post 659, 158 Edison Road, Trumbull, CT. The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of the Carolton Chronic and Convalescent Hospital, whose dedicated care brought comfort to Dick and his family during these past few months. Godspeed Dad, we love you and miss you!