Timothy D. Maher

Timothy D. Maher

Tempe, AZ

Tim Maher passed away on November 19, 2025 in his home in Tempe, Arizona. Tim was born on September 30, 1948 in Okinawa, Japan. His father, a U.S. Army soldier, was stationed there during the U.S. occupation following WWII. After retiring from the Army, Ed Sr. returned stateside with his young family to his hometown of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Tim attended Immaculate Conception Elementary School and graduated in 1966 from Regis High School as a member of the National Honor Society. He continued his education at University of Iowa, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in History. Since the Vietnam War was raging, Tim joined ROTC while at U of I. This allowed him to fulfill his obligation to the Army in Belgium, after college graduation.

He returned to Iowa and attained a management position at Younkers Department Store in Marshalltown. But it wasn’t until he moved to Arizona and met his wife, an ASU professor in Special Education, that he found his life’s profession. While also raising two children with Kathleen McCoy, Tim got his Master’+s degree in Education. He became a dedicated teacher at Middle Schools and High Schools in the Phoenix area, teaching both in the classroom and online, starting in 1986. Combining his love of teaching, history and storytelling, Tim began writing a Newsletter for teachers in Taiwan, where learning English is a requirement. The entire school would adopt Tim’s “tool” to enhance their lessons. Student assignments included not only reading the articles but also writing letters to Tim. This allowed Tim to create long relationships with both the faculty and students. He solicited news and photos from Iowa for the Newsletters. Then he began to create and include a chapter story about a Taiwanese farm girl. Tales from his older brother, Patrick, who spent his life in the Merchant Marines in the Southeast Pacific, found ways into some chapters. The students especially loved these stories as did Tim’s own brothers and sisters. After his own children grew up, Tim visited Taiwan two times.

As his health declined, he continued to write his Newsletter and stories. When caring for his three grandchildren he would take them to Arizona Diamondback baseball games. He enjoyed walking his dogs in the morning before breakfast. He always had stories to tell about his life and historical events.

Tim was preceded in death by his parents, Edward B. Maher Sr., Marqueta (Henry) Maher; brothers, Edward B, Maher Jr., Patrick Maher; sisters Gertrude Maher and baby Bridget.

Tim is survived by his wife Kathleen (McCoy), daughter Elizabeth, son Patrick and grandchildren Dimitri, Amari and Samaya; also his brothers John Maher, James Maher, Walt Maher, Frank Maher; and sister Colleen (Maher) Cassill.