By Ashley Pavlakis
Lifelong St. James resident Kenneth Maher Jr. passed away on January 3, 2025, at the age of 43. Maher Jr. was a beloved member of his community and was always gracious to lend a helping hand to those who met him. He is survived by his mother Betty, his daughter Fallyn, his sister Kerry, his nieces and nephews, and his girlfriend Vicky.
Maher Jr. was a family man, so much so that he wanted to be part of the family business from a young age. The Maher family owns the St. James Funeral Home, a place where Maher Jr. worked and would eventually become a New York State Licensed Funeral Director. Maher Jr. got his Mortuary Science Degree from Nassau Community College in 2002. Following in his father’s footsteps, he became a second-generation funeral director.
The Funeral Business is unique to say the least; those who have worked the job are known to be compassionate, caring, understanding, and empathetic people. Maher Jr. was all of those things. When you met him at St. James Funeral Home, it meant your friend or family member would receive the utmost care and respect they deserved as they entered the next stage.
Outside the funeral service business, Maher Jr. continued on his journey of serving the community he loved so much. He coached little league baseball for Smithtown youth and taught golf for the Smithtown Adult Education Program.
Maher Jr. was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as a Fourth-Degree member. A Fourth Degree Member, otherwise known as Sir Knight, is a highly honorable feat. The title is bestowed upon someone who embodies what it means to be a Knight and chooses to embrace the fourth principle of patriotism.
In addition to the Knights of Columbus, Maher Jr. was also a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. The organization is one of the oldest Irish Catholic Fraternal Organizations. Its purpose is to promote friendship, unity, and Christian Charity. They also foster and cultivate the longstanding history and traditions of the Irish race.
Maher Jr. is also a past president of the Ronkonkoma Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Farmingville Historical Society, and a member of Farmingville Civic Association. The warm-spirited individual was a busy man, always playing an active role in his community and the organizations he felt most strongly about.
There are a few landmark destinations that come to mind when you think about St. James. Perhaps the most outwardly obvious one is the St. James witch. The iconic 35-foot-tall attraction known adoringly as ‘Winnie’ by the town citizens, was due for an upgrade. Maher Jr. was at the forefront of the fundraising efforts, working hard to raise the money so ‘Winnie’ could receive a well-deserved makeover.
So now, when you’re driving through St. James and see the beloved statue, say “thank you,” or maybe even a prayer in memoriam of Maher Jr. The small, but simple gesture goes a long way in honoring Kenneth Maher Jr.’s life and legacy.
