Thomas E. Maher, Sr.

Mr. Thomas E. “Tom” Maher, Sr., age 72, a lifelong resident of this area and currently of Sauquoit, passed away peacefully in the privacy of his home on Friday, January 23, 2009 with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on June 28, 1936, Thomas was the son of the late Charles R. and Catherine (Maroney) Maher. Raised and educated locally, he was a graduate of St. Agnes grammar school and T. R. Proctor High School class of ‘54. Upon graduation he served in the U. S. Army with the majority of his time spent in Korea. Tom began his working career as an engineering draftsman at the General Electric Co. Light Military Electronics plant in Utica. He was employed briefly thereafter at the General Electric Co. Television facility in Syracuse as the lead designer on a project that was the forerunner of what is now the VCR video system. He subsequently became involved in the engineering temporary help field and was the president of 20th Century Design, Inc. Upon selling the company he became the on-the-job coordinator for the Rome Chamber of Commerce and later served in a similar position for the Utica Chamber of Commerce. He returned to the temporary engineering help field in the early 1970’s as the founder of T & M Technical Services Co., Inc., and much later, in the mid 1990’s expanded the organization to include a new entity named Staffing Specialists Co., Inc., in order to service the temporary office help field. The companies had offices in Utica, Syracuse, and Norwich, with satellite offices in Binghamton and Oneonta. Tom retired in 1999. A nostalgic person by nature, a Proctorian through and through, Tom had a lifelong passion for East Utica and the memories of his youth there. He also had a special attachment to the Hidden Valley Golf Club and its people where he most often played over the years, and not only on the golf course. Mr. Maher was a member of the American Legion Post # 1000 in Chadwicks, a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post # 9591 in Clinton, the Proctor Alumni Association, the Central New York Community Arts Council, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, and an honorary member of the Commanders Club of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). His past affiliations include the Yahnundasis Golf Club, The Calvary Golf Club of Manlius, The Moose Club, the Personnel Managers Association, and the United Way. He was a parishioner of Sacred Heart/St. Mary’s Church. Thomas is survived by his children and their families, William A. and Kirana “Pa” Maher of North Syracuse, Joyce A. and Joseph Nicotera, and Thomas E. Maher, Jr., all of Utica, and their mother, the former Carol Hensel. In addition he leaves his beloved companion of many years, Karleen Markowicz and her children, Mary L. Markowicz, and Michael and Yee Markowicz. In addition, he leaves his sister, Barbara Kokesch of NY Mills; and his brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Dolores (Cassidy) Maher of CA. At one time he was wed to Mary Burroughs Davis and also leaves behind step-daughters, Gail McKinstry, Sara and Ronald Smith, and their brothers, Carl Davis, and Mark Davis. Perhaps most of all, he regrets leaving his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom brought great joy to his life – how much he loved them all. Also, the many friends he has lost over the years that he carried around in his heart and that he hopes to “meet again some sunny day”. He was predeceased by his older brother and cherished sister-in-law, Robert R., Jr. and Muriel (Abdoo) Maher; and his brother-in-law, David Kokesch. The family is grateful to Dr. Samir Desai and his staff; Dr. Diane Cavalarro; Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc.; as well as his caretakers, for their dedication and professionalism. Visitation will be held Monday (today) from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The American Legion Post #1000 will gather for ritualistic services at 6 p.m. Please consider memorial contributions in Thomas’ honor to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc.; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Thomas’ funeral service will commence on Tuesday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at Sacred Heart/St. Mary’s Church in NY Mills, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Entombment will take place in Calvary Mausoleum with Military Honors.

Thomas E. Maher, Sr.

June 28, 1936 - January 23, 2009