In Memory of Thomas Maher
On June 26, 2009, Mr. Thomas Maher, a well-respected and dedicated guidance counselor in the Sewanhaka Central High School District, passed away at the age of 43.
Thomas Maher was a caring, patient, and friendly guidance counselor who began working as the department chairperson for New Hyde Park Memorial High School’s Pupil Personnel Services in 2001.
For the past eight years at New Hyde Park Memorial, Thomas Maher compassionately worked toward keeping the interests of students his primary job; and all of his students agree. Students stated that Mr. Maher was always helpful, reliable, and supportive of their hopes and dreams and that there was never a moment where he doubted their ambitions.
On June 28, New Hyde Park Memorial’s Principal Michael DeMartino dedicated the Class of 2009’s Graduation to Mr. Maher for all of the effort and hard work he gave to the school.
Within the recent week, the school held a vigil to honor and remember the very dedicated and caring counselor. Among those who mourned for Thomas Maher were New Hyde Park Memorial Principal Michael DeMartino, former Principal Loretta Nugent, along with parents, faculty members and students of the school.
Each and every one of his co-workers agreed that he was the best boss they ever had; that no one could replace his caring, reliability, and kindness; that he had such a great sense of humor and that he will really be missed.
In a moving speech, fellow co-worker Craig Barbieri, stated, “Thomas Maher always said that something good came from something bad, but in this case, it’s very difficult to find anything good here.”
The entire New Hyde Park-Garden City Park community will miss Thomas Maher’s keen intellect and humor that brought a smile to everyone’s face. Everyone will always have wonderful memories of him. He will be missed but his name and legacy he left will continue on through the years.
