Ralph Joseph Maher

Ralph J. Maher, a life-long Quincy resident and retired Chief Plumbing and Gas Inspector for the City of Presidents died peacefully in his sleep at home on February 6, 2025. He was 87.

The son of William O. and Elizabeth (Hagerty) Maher, Ralph was born in Quincy and attended Quincy schools. He was a graduate of Quincy High School, and studied plumbing and heating at Cambridge School of Plumbing and Heating. He received a degree in Plumbing Design from MIT and took extension courses at Harvard Graduate School of Design.

Ralph enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served his country with honor during the Korean war. He was stationed aboard the USS Saratoga before being discharged with the rank of Aviation Ordnanceman Third Class after three years of honorable service. He continued to serve in the U.S. Navy Reserves following his release from active duty on December 18, 1958.

He formerly served as Vice-President and Chair with the Massachusetts State Board of Examiners, and was a former Deputy Sheriff with the Norfolk County Sheriff’s office from 1976-2001. He also worked for many years as a Plumbing and Gas Inspector for the City of Quincy, retiring as Chief Inspector. Ralph was currently the Vice-Chairman and Treasurer of the Quincy Housing Authority, a position he has held since July, 2018.

Ralph was a proud member of the NRA, the Middleboro Gun Club, the Cyril P. Morrisette Post #294 of the American Legion, Quincy, and a 50+ year member of the Quincy Lodge of Elks.

Loving father of Suzanne Maher-Perkins and husband Thomas Perkins of Holbrook. Cherished grandfather of Mark Simonelli of Abington. Dear brother of Mary Dowling of Quincy and the late Arthur, John and Mike Maher. Uncle of Tara Maher. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend his visiting hours on Wednesday February 12 from 4:00-8:00pm at the Hamel-Lydon Chapel, 650 Hancock St, Quincy. Mass of Christian burial Thursday February 13 at 10:00am in St. Mary Church of Divine Mercy Parish, 115 Crescent St, West Quincy. A procession will form in the church parking lot following Mass, culminating with military honors and interment at Pine Hill Cemetery, West Quincy.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ralph’s memory may be made to: Boston Higashi School, 800 N.Main St, Randolph, MA 02368