Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
James Ahearn Obituary
Rhinebeck - James (Jim) Ahearn, 87, of Rhinebeck, NY died on Saturday, April 13, 2019, at the Baptist Home in Rhinebeck, NY.
Born on December 26, 1931 in South Bend, IN, he was the son of the late Francis Thomas and Loretto (Lorden) Ahearn. Jim received his Bachelor's degree from Amherst College in 1953. He married his devoted wife of 64 years, Mary Ann Boesch on June 7, 1954 in Hartford, CT. Mary Ann survives him in Rhinebeck.
He was a Lieutenant JG in the United States Navy from 1954-1957 and served on destroyers in the North Atlantic, first as a combat-information-center officer and then as an operations officer.
Jim had a long and accomplished career in journalism. He began as a newsman working for United Press in Boston. Later he was recruited by the Bergen Record in New Jersey as a State House correspondent and over the years he rose to become the Editorial Page Editor and then Managing Editor. During his career there he was awarded a Nieman Fellowship at Harvard University in 1971 and was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in Journalism. Once retired, he wrote a twice a week syndicated column on New Jersey public affairs.
In addition to his wife Mary Ann, he is survived by his children, Michael and his wife Sheryl Ahearn of Chadds Ford, PA; Molly Ahearn and her husband Bill Robinson of Clinton Corners, NY; Sarah Ahearn and her husband Rick Moltke of Pearl River, NY; and Margaret Ahearn Smith and her husband Michael Smith of Brooklyn, NY; a brother David Ahearn of Washington, DC; his two grandchildren, Sean Ahearn of New York, NY, and Ryley Robinson of Rochester, NY; along with extended family, colleagues and friends. A sister, Judith MacKown, predeceased him.
Friends may call at the Burnett & White Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 16th, 2019 from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Memorial donations may be made in Jim's memory to the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard, Walter Lippmann House, One Francis Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138.
Arrangements are under the direction of Burnett & White Funeral Home 91 E. Market St., Rhinebeck, NY.
For directions, or to sign the online guest book, please visit www.Burnett-White.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Ahearn
Sponsored by Burnett & White Funeral Homes - Rhinebeck.
5 Entries
May 15, 2019
I'm so sorry for your loss. Although your grief may seem unbearable, know that God wants to comfort you. Pour out your heart to him in prayer and experience the peace that only he can give. Jeremiah 29:11
Michael Spengler
April 16, 2019
Sad news. My father- David Spengler- worked with Jim at The Record. My sister and I also have fond memories of Jim and Mary Ann's visits to my family's house on the Jersey Shore. As well as at our annual X-mas parties here in Englewood... Our deepest condolences...
Linda Baer
April 16, 2019
My departed husband senator Byron baer and I Freeholder Judge Baer had the honor of knowing him over some thirty years. Jim was one of the finest journalist and human beings around. I incredibly bright you couldn't put one over on him if you tried. May your memories of him give youComfort. Saying a prayer that he may RIP
JS
April 16, 2019
My sincere condolences to your family for the loss of your love one. May the God of comfort be with you during this sad occasion and may his loving words at John 6:40 console your heart.
April 16, 2019
My deepest condolences to the Ahearn family. May the God of all comfort give you the strength and soften the pain that touches your heart until the beautiful promise at John 6:39,40 is fulfilled.
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Make a Donation
in James Ahearn's name
Memorial Events
for James Ahearn
Apr
16
Calling hours
3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Burnett & White Funeral Homes - Rhinebeck91 E Market St, Rhinebeck, NY 12572
Funeral services provided by:
Burnett & White Funeral Homes - Rhinebeck91 E Market St, Rhinebeck, NY 12572
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Ahearn's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
