John Gregory Maher

Died Saturday, November 9, 2024. Born March 5, 1953, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Preceded in death by his parents William Power Maher, and Jane Mahar Maher. Survived by his brother, Fr. Michael William Maher, S.J. of Milwaukee and his sister Catherine Maher Preussler (Robert) of Genesee, Wisconsin. He is further survived by his Aunt Bridie Driscoll (Thomas) of Winter Park, Florida, his cousins, other relatives and many friends who considered him as a close friend, an uncle, father, and grandfather. 

John became especially close with his colleagues at Witkowiak Funeral Home and Brett Funeral Home over the years and considered us all part of his extended family.

We also wish to thank the entire staff of Zilber Hospice, not only for the love and care they showed him in his final days, but for the caring relationship they had with him while serving other families in their time of need. 

John spent his life in the Milwaukee area. He was raised in Wauwatosa where he attended Pius X grade school and was baptized during the first year of the Parish’s existence. John then attended Marquette University High School graduating in 1971 where he participated in the school’s theater and chorus. He attended the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, where he received his bachelor's degree and Master’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology. A part-time job at a bank grew into a position that saw him involved in many aspects of the banking industry. Mergers and changes in this industry placed him in Minneapolis where, after a year, he returned to Milwaukee and took on the directorship of the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center. He began a career at Brett Funeral Home in 2004 where he later became the Managing Director. Irish music and culture played an important part of his life, involvement which included membership in the Shamrock Club and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He was one of the Founding members of the music group Blarney and provided key support for Milwaukee’s Irish Fest from its very beginning. John provided a guiding presence for the festival from its beginnings until this year and served in various administrative roles for Irish Fest. In addition to Irish Fest, John was an active member of Gesu Parish and assisted in various philanthropic activities in the city.

Over the years and especially recently, John was the beneficiary of much kindness and support from his colleagues and friends, for which his brother and sister will be forever grateful.

 A Funeral Mass with the Rev. Michael Maher, S.J. officiating will be celebrated on Monday, November 25 at 3:30 pm at the Gesu Church, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (12th and Wisconsin Avenue) with a visitation beginning at 1:00 pm. A brief prayer service will be held on Tuesday, November 26 at 11:00 am at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church (822 E. Grand Ave.) in Beloit with inurnment immediately following in the Mahar, Butler & Riley family section of Calvary Cemetery in Beloit. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Gesu Parish of Milwaukee, Wisconsin or the Irish Fest Foundation.