John P. Maher
Retired Lowell Police Captain
LOWELL John P. Maher, 88, of Lowell, a proud resident of Ayer's City, passed away unexpectedly, Thursday, March 8, 2018, at his residence. He was the widower of the late Priscilla 'Chilla' (Sheehan) Maher.
A son of the late Patrick and the late Agnes B. (Hatch) Maher, he was born October 13, 1929, in Boston, and moved with his family to Lowell in the 1930’s. He was raised and educated in the City, attending the original Butler School and graduating from Lowell High School, Class of 1947. He later attended Northeastern University and UMass Lowell obtaining a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice.
For several years, he worked as a truck driver and was a member of the Teamsters Local #49, working in the Lowell Trucking Corporation and Wright Trucking. He joined the United States Army serving during the Korean Conflict as a machine gunner with the famous 45th Thunderbird Infantry Division. He was awarded the Bronze Star, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Korean Service Medal with three Campaign Stars, the United Nations Service Medal and the National Defense Medal.
Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to the United States and was stationed at Ft. Devens as a Platoon Sergeant in the 278th Regimental Combat Team until his discharge in 1954.
Returning to Lowell, he regained his position with the Teamsters. In 1960, he joined the Lowell Police Department as a foot patrol officer in the Tower’s Corner Area, in Car One in the Acre. He then served as Sergeant in the Criminal Bureau and then served in the Records Bureau where he was promoted to Captain until his retirement in 1990.
His favorite past time and most important thing to do was to spend time with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed golfing and was a proud member of the Hackers of the Lowell Police Department, the Ancient Order of the Hibernians, the Holy Family Travelers, the Greater Lowell Retired Police Officers, and the Sacred Heart Neighborhood Improvement Group. In addition, he enjoyed reading the papers and listening to radio on the front porch in his rocking chair.
His survivors include his son, Thomas R. Tetreault and his wife, Diane, of Lowell; his grandchildren, Thomas J. Tetreault of Lowell, Jonathan P. Tetreault of Lowell, Shawn M. Tetreault of Lowell, Ashley S. Tetreault of Lowell, and Jillian Maynard of Hudson, NH; his great grandchildren, Cavin M. Tetreault of Hudson, Quintin A. Tetreault of Hudson, Amelia Collins of Hudson, and Jensen R. Tetreault of New York; his sister, Agnes Ann Maher of Lowell; his brother in law and sister in law, Thomas and Judy Sheehan of Arizona; and many nieces and nephews.
He was also predeceased by his brothers George Francis Maher and Joseph T. Maher.
YOU ARE INVITED TO HIS CALLING HOURS FROM 4 UNTIL 8 P.M. ON TUESDAY.
ON WEDNESDAY, HIS FUNERAL WILL BEGIN AT 9 A.M. AT THE MCDONOUGH FUNERAL HOME, 14 HIGHLAND STREET, LOWELL 978-458-6816.
HIS FUNERAL MASS WILL BE OFFERED WEDNESDAY AT HOLY FAMILY PARISH, 30 GRAFTON ST., LOWELL AT 10 A.M.. BURIAL IN ST. PATRICK CEMETERY.
MEMORIALS IN HIS NAME TO CIRCLE HOME INC. (FORMERLY VNA) 847 ROGERS STREET, SUITE 201, LOWELL, MA 01852.
