The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN RECOGNITION OF PAUL J. MAHER FOR HIS LIFETIME OF SERVICE TO
NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA
______
HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT
of pennsylvania
in the house of representatives
Thursday, April 1, 2021
Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of public servant, community leader, and United States Army veteran Paul J. Maher. Paul peacefully passed away at the age of 87 on February 19, 2021.
Paul was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, to Paul W. and Elizabeth Zwiebel Maher. He graduated from Mary's High School, and he remained actively involved with his alma mater as an alumnus, coordinating class reunions. He also attended Wilkes College and Wyoming Seminary.
Answering the call to serve his country, Paul enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Korean conflict. Before being discharged as a sergeant, he served at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, with the 81st Chemical Group attached to the 82nd Airborne, holding the positions of company administrator and desk sergeant. After the Army, he had successful careers in banking and sales.
In 1971, Paul began his political career as the Coordinator of Federal Funds for the City of Wilkes-Barre where he worked closely with the late Congressman Dan Flood. His service to the city was instrumental in the aftermath of Hurricane Agnes in 1972. He attended flood recovery meetings and helped set up trailer parks for displaced residents, and he was a founding member and chairman of the South Wilkes-Barre Action Committee. In 1976, the late chairman of the Commissioner Board, F.C. Wideman, Jr., appointed Paul as the first Luzerne County Budget and Personnel Director where he oversaw allocations of funds and started a program to engage service clubs and women's organizations in the budget process.
In 1985, he began his 26-year career working with Congressman Paul Kanjorski of Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District as a field representative, serving as a liaison for all unions and managing small business inquiries. He was a well-known presence in the community, representing the Congressman at community events.
Paul was generous with his time and active in South Wilkes-Barre throughout his life. He volunteered at organizations like the St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen and the Wilkes-Barre Catholic Youth Center and served on councils and authorities such as the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority and the Wilkes-Barre Parking Authority. He was a member of many community and social clubs, including the Wilkes-Barre and Hanover Township American Legions, the Sons of St. Patrick, and the Donegal Society. Following his interest in politics, he served as Democratic State committeeman for four decades. Paul organized and coached football for youth and high school teams, and he was inducted into the Wyoming Valley Boxing Hall of Fame in 1998 as a boxing judge.
Paul was married to his wife, Judith Delong, for 18 years, and he took great joy connecting with his extended family. Paul dedicated his time and energy to the betterment of his community and his county, and I am humbled to honor the life of this true public servant.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 59
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