Thomas J. Maher

1942 - 2023

Thomas J. Maher, age 81, passed away on July 3rd, 2023. Tom was born in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania on March 12th 1942 and is survived by his wife Linda Lee Maher and his daughter Maureen Louise King, grandchildren Bailey Janvier King and Adam Maher King of New Orleans, and siblings, Susan Maher, Theresa Maher, Barbara Maher, Patricia Louise Maher and Timothy Maher, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Thomas J. Maher of Pittsburgh PA and mother Helen Maher of Palo Alto, CA, and sister Mary Beth Gallagher of Santa Ana, CA. Tom and Linda were married for 60 years before his passing. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh in 1960 and attended Leicester Junior College in Massachusetts on a basketball scholarship. He later transferred to Youngstown State University, graduating in 1969 with a Bachelor's degree in Business and Accounting. College was interrupted for 4 years by serving in the US Air Force where he worked for the NSA and was stationed in the Philippines. He was discharged honorably in 1967. After finishing college, he worked as a sales representative for B.F. Goodrich, Southeast Steel, Cargill Steel, Atlas Steel and Davis Wire. Tom enjoyed tennis, and played at Lynn Park, Beach Club, Chateau and Hilton indoor in Memphis. He also played on the Michelob team and became a linesman and an umpire for the USTA. When he retired at age 59 due to medical issues, he took courses at the Cabildo and became a tour guide, giving tours in the French Quarter and Garden District in New Orleans. Tom and Linda lived in the French Quarter for 14 years, and owned a lovely shotgun double on Orleans. Tom was President of Patio Planters and served on their board for years. He was also on the board of Le Petit Theatre and was co-chair with Linda, hosting parties to increase patrons for the theater. He was the charter vice president for the Upper Quarter, a Duke in Iris, and belonged to Endymion, Pete Fountain's Half Fast Walking Club and The Hibernians. He also worked with Linda to form the Easter on the Avenue event with the help of Alden Hagerdorn and Philip Melancon after Katrina. Tom and Linda bought a beach home on the ocean in Rosarito, Baja California with their dear friend Philip Melancon, and traveled extensively visiting Australia, Bermuda, Bahamas, Hong Kong, China,Tahiti, Mexico, Catalina, Disneyland, Disney World, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Ireland and Hawaii. Tom was a licensed pilot, a certified scuba diver, and a tour guide in Rosarito beach and went to acting school and appeared in many plays in Rosarito. Tom was a Saints season ticket holder since 1972 and was also excited to see the Pittsburgh Steelers win their first Super Bowl at Tulane stadium. He celebrated at the Bombay club and Antoine's when the Saints won the Super Bowl and he loved Commander's Palace. He will be sorely missed. He was a fun guy who loved New Orleans. Many thanks to the VA doctors and nurses who cared for him and to the nursing assistants who were so helpful and caring. Thank you to the staff at Carol condominiums who helped us as much as they could. The Neptune society is handling the arrangements. No funeral is planned and a memorial will be held at a later date.