Brian Michael Maher

Maher - Brian Michael, died peacefully and surrounded by his family on May 19, 2023. He was the devoted husband of 49 years to Barbara (Goble) Maher; cherished son of Thomas and

Marguerite Maher (deceased); proud brother of Thomas

Maher and brother-in-law to Betty (Ash) Maher, Meg Goble, and

Eileen (Goble) Connelly; loving father of Danny, Timmy, and Kara

(Darrell) and father-in-law of Richard Darell and Carly (Pritchard) Maher; and doting grandfather to Molly, Grace, Brian, Abby, and Teddy. His extended family includes all those he encountered during a life dedicated to the pillars of his Dominican education: community, ministry, study, and prayer. Known affectionately as Beamer, Brian was raised in Sea Cliff where he attended St. Boniface Elementary School and graduated from St. Mary's High School in Manhasset. In a decision that would profoundly influence the rest of his life, he matriculated at Providence College in the fall of 1964. He maintained a relationship with the institution, spanning 55 years, through organizing numerous reunions for his fellow members of the class of 1968, serving as both New York and National Alumni President, and being conferred a doctorate degree in 2019. The link between Brian and Providence College's will continue in perpetuity with the establishment of a scholarship bearing his name to fund the education of deserving Catholic school students from the New York City boroughs. Upon graduation from college, Brian had a short stint as an accountant at Grumman before deciding on a change in career to become a business education instructor at the recently opened St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School. It was here where he met his wife, Barbara. Although his tenure at the high school was short, his legacy was long-lasting. He was named to the school's inaugural Development Board in 1990, inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2002, and honored with the Gentlemans' Dinner Man of Vision Award in 2010. After leaving St. John the Baptist, he spent 2 years as an administrator at the Henry Viscardi School before moving on to the State University of New York at Farmingdale where he worked for 40 years, ascending to the position of Dean of the Equal Opportunity Center and receiving the Board of Regents Chancellor Award in 2010. While his career achievements are notable, at the core of Brian's being was his deep commitment to Catholicism which was instilled in him by his parents. He found comfort in times of triumph and tribulations through attending daily Mass, participating in adoration, and praying the Rosary. Since 1975, Brian and Barbara have been parishoners at St. Joseph Parish in Babylon, a community which has allowed them to enrich their faith and make lifelong friends. Brian was asked to serve as a trustee of the parish in 2022. In addition, Brian chaired numerous committees and events for the Irish-American fraternal organization, The Ancient Order of Hibernians; served as the longest tenured treasurer for the Babylon Yacht Club; volunteered at the Opening Word literacy program; organized tournaments for the Eastern Amputee Golf Association: and performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Radio City Music Hall with the Hibernian Festival Singers. He could also be coerced into composing and performing a song parody on special occasions for his family and friends. In a life replete with accomplishments and accolades, Brian always maintained a sense of humility. He was fond of saying, "Who has it better than me?" He will be sorely missed by those whose lives he touched, however, they can take solace in knowing he led a joyful life of personal, professional, and spiritual fulfillment. Reposing at The Fredrick J. Chapey & Sons West Islip Funeral Home, 1225 Montauk Hwy. (1/4 mile west of the Robert Moses Cswy.). Celebration of the Liturgy of Christian Burial Tuesday, 9:30 AM at St. Joseph's R.C. Church, Babylon, NY. Interment to follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery. Visiting Sunday 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM and Monday 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the "Brian Michael Maher '68 Family Scholarship Fund" at Providence College. This was established by the family to grant scholarship dollars to NYC Catholic School students with significant financial need. Please contact sduryea@providence.edu for funding options www.chapeyfamily.com