Michael T. Maher

Michael T. Maher, 86, of DeKalb, IL, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2026, of natural causes at University of Chicago Hospital.

Mike was born on November 5, 1939, to Cecilia (McArdle) and Robert Maher in Masontown, PA. After graduating from All Saints High School, he went on to receive BS and MS degrees from Chicago Teachers College, and Northern Illinois University. He served in the United States Marine Corps reserves and dedicated 34 years to teaching automotive technology at Fox Valley Career Center.

He married Ruth Maher (Lomasz) on June 29, 1968, and they shared 58 years together in DeKalb. They had two children, daughter Cate (Fred Cardella) and son Brian (Katie Parsons), and one grandson, Clayton (Cardella).

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Robert and Thomas. He is survived by siblings Joe, Maureen, Jerome, Ellen, and Henry, and countless nieces and nephews.

Mike's family joked that he was a "dog whisperer" as they were naturally drawn to him. He enjoyed restoring his Chris-Craft wooden boat, tinkering in the garage, and visiting local dealerships to "talk cars" with former students. Education was a passion of his, helping countless area students gain hands-on experience that led to employment and, in some cases, ownership of automotive businesses. He was a member of Newman Catholic Christ the Teacher University Parish.

The family would like to thank the medical staff of University of Chicago Medicine, especially the LVAD and cardiology teams, whose successful implantation of and care for a heart pump added precious years to Mike's life. They cared for him with dedication until his final moments.

A visitation will be held at Finch Funeral Home in DeKalb on Friday, November 6, from 4:00p.m.- 7:00 p.m., with a service at 5:30 pm. Cremation rites and arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841. If you'd like to make a donation in Mike's honor, please consider Misericordia Heart of Mercy in Chicago or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.