John Joseph Mahar

     John Joseph Mahar, of Dover, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, Thursday, June 27, 2019, in Westminster  Nursing  Home, Dover. He was 79.

     John was born May 12, 1940, in Olean, New York to the late, Francis & Margaret(McLaughlin) Mahar. He served proudly in the United States Air Force for over 20 years, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.  Afterward he continued in Civil Service at Dover Air Force Base for another 15 years.

   He was a Member of the Irish Society of Delmarva, and the Knights of Columbus. In his free time, John enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, he enjoyed telling stories, and was an avid history buff.

   In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, John J. Mahar, Jr,  2 brothers, Francis & Daniel Mahar, and a sister-in-law, Margaret Toohey Mahar.

   John is survived by his wife of 55 years, Loretta  “ Lorie” (Mazza) Mahar; his children, Christina Bernat & husband, Paul, of Camden; David Mahar & wife, Gretchen, of Middletown; Mark Mahar & wife, Sondra, of Alexandria, Virginia; and Erica Corbett & husband, Andrew, of Littleton, Colorado. His siblings, James Mahar, of Olean, N.Y.; Paul Mahar & wife, Judy, of Olean, N.Y.; Ellen Weidner & husband, William, of Allegany, N.Y. ; Mary Montgomery & husband, Richard, of New Smyrna Beach, Florida; Thomas Mahar & wife, Katherine, of Olean, N.Y.; Joseph Mahar & wife, Roberta, of Olean, N.Y.;  sister-in-law Roberta Mahar; his grandchildren, Rachel, Rebekah, Alanna, Aidan, Evelyn, Michael, and Hadley Jean; a great-grandchild, Avery Paul; his brother-in-law, Samuel Mazza and wife Michelle; as well as numerous nieces & nephews.

    Viewing will be held from 4-6 pm, Tuesday, July 2, 2019, in Pippin Funeral Home, Inc., 119 West Camden-Wyoming Ave., Wyoming, DE.

    Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10am, Wednesday, July 3, 2019 in the Church of the Holy Cross, 631 S. State St. Dover.  Burial will be held privately.

    Contributions may be made in his memory to Westminster Healthcare, 1175 McKee Road, Dover, DE 19904. Condolence may be sent via: www.pippinfuneralhome.com.

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