Thomas J. Maher, Jr., of Melrose, passed away at the Winchester Hospital on April 22, 2018 at the age of 84. He was surrounded by his loving family. Tom was born in Manhattan, NY and raised in the Bronx. He attended Machine & Metal Trades HS in NY City and completed his education in the U.S. Navy at the United States Armed Forces Institute and proudly served his country during the Korean War. Tom resided most of his life in NY until moving to Melrose 9 years ago. He worked as a Repairman for the New York Telephone Company for 37 years before his retirement in 1991. In his youth, Tom played semi-pro soccer for the Yonkers Scots Soccer Clubs, for many years he was a senior usher for his church in Westbury, Long Island, NY and enjoyed spending summers in Dennisport on Cape Cod. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Deer Park, NY, the USS Albany Assoc. and also the U.S. Navy Cruisers Association. Tom loved watching football, soccer, baseball, hockey and his favorite teams were the Yankees, Rangers and the NY Football Giants. He was a big Melrose Red Raiders fan, enjoying many hours at Melrose sporting events cheering on his grandsons. His family was by far the most important part of his life. His perfect day would be a cookout in the yard with his wife, children, 7 grandchildren and great grandson. Tom was the beloved husband of Joan T. (O'Neill) Maher for 63 years. Loving father of Eileen M. Spies & her husband James of NY and Maureen T. Maher & her husband Steve of Melrose. Cherished grandfather of Kathleen and her husband Justin, Megan and her fiance Andrew, Daniel, Brendan, Ryan, Liam and Sean. Great grandfather of Charles. Caring brother of Ann Brothers & her late husband Mike of NJ and the late John Maher & his late wife Mary and the late Roger Maher and his wife Anita of NJ. Brother in law of Madeline Lisnak & her late husband Mike of NY. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives & friends. Visiting hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Wednesday, April 25th from 4-7PM. A Funeral Service will be held at the Gately Funeral Home on Thursday, April 26th at 10AM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. Burial with military honors at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, in Bourne, MA. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Melrose Veteran's Memory Project, c/o Veteran's Office, 562 Main St., Melrose, MA 02176.