John F. Maurer

John F. Maurer, age 81, of New Philadelphia, passed away peacefully in his home Tuesday evening, November 29, 2011, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born at Dennison, September 1, 1930, he was the son of the late Walter Glenn “W.G.” and Mary E. Turner Maurer. John was a 1948 graduate of Uhrichsville High School and went on to earn a Bachelors Degree in Business in 1952 from Miami University at Oxford, where he was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. John was the owner and operator of F. B. Maurer Markets in Uhrichsville and New Philadelphia, along with his father and brother until the family sold their interests in the early seventies. Many residents still remember his involvement in the Lucky Barrel, pancake breakfasts at the stores and many sponsorships of area teams, activities and events. He then joined Surety Savings & Loan at Dover, where he served as president. He finished his working years as Office Manager of Miller & Kyler Law Firm of New Philadelphia. After retirement he spent his winters in Estero, FL with his wife of 59 years, Phyllis.John was a member of New Philadelphia’s First United Methodist Church where he served on various committees. For many years he was a member of the Rotary Club of Dover. John was a Life member of the New Philadelphia Elks Lodge and the former Knights of Pythias. He also was a 50 year Master Mason, as a member of New Philadelphia Lodge # 177 F. & A. M. as well as the Tadmor Temple Shrine at Akron, and Tuscarawas County Shrine Club. While working in New Philadelphia, he was active in the former New Philadelphia Merchants Council and the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce. John also devoted time to serving on the boards of directors of Trumpet in the Land and Atwood Yacht Club.Other interests of John and Phyllis were sailing on Atwood Lake and entertaining their friends and family on their pontoon boat. They organized a number of Corn Roasts, Kite Flying parties and other events at Atwood Yacht Club. John caught the “computer bug” and became adept at its use. He enjoyed reading and carried his Kindle, a gift from his children, with him most everywhere he went. He and Phyllis organized “Mystery Trips” for their family and friends, which were enjoyed by all.Survivors include his wife, the former Phyllis A. Ball, whom he married September 15, 1952; a family of six sons and their families; John A. (Gail) of Burlington, Massachusetts, Stephen V. (Pam) of New Philadelphia, Scott M. (Karen Olson) of Lake Oswego, Oregon, Gregory W. of Alexandria, Kentucky, Jeffrey G. (Louise) of Cold Springs, Kentucky and F. Brian (Julie) of Columbus.John will be sadly missed by his grandchildren, Eric, Andrew, Jessica and Yitzhak Maurer of Burlington, Massachusetts, Christopher Maurer of Columbus, Justin Maurer and Stephanie (Tommy) Williams of New Philadelphia, Michael Maurer of Dover, Allison Maurer and Leah Maurer of Mt. Orab, a deceased grandson Joseph Maurer, and Natalie Maurer of Mt. Orab, as well as a great-granddaughter, Ardynn Williams of New Philadelphia. Step grandchildren include Shanda (Chad) Pierce, Derek Burger, Ryan, Dan and Lee Roessler and great-granddaughters Laykan and Avery Pierce. A sister, Janie Smith, of Findlay, OH and several nieces and nephews complete the family. In addition to his parents and his grandson, John is preceded in death by his two brothers, Allen T. Maurer and Walter G. Maurer II; two sisters-in-law, Adeline “Adee” (Walter) Maurer and Jane (Allen) Maurer; and brother-in-law, Ken Smith.Friends are invited to call Thursday afternoon December 1, from 4 PM until 7PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. The Rev. Dr. Steven R. Bailey will lead Mr. Maurer’s funeral service Friday afternoon, December 2, at 1 PM in the funeral home’s chapel. Burial will follow in the Maurer family plot at Union Cemetery, Uhrichsville. Following the committal service, family and friends will gather for a reception in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the New Philadelphia funeral home. Those unable to attend are invited to share memories and condolences with the family by visiting the funeral home’s website. The Maurer family requests that memorial contributions be made to the First United Methodist Church, 201 West High, New Philadelphia, OH, 44663, Community Hospice, 201 West 3rd, Dover, Ohio, 44622 or New Philadelphia Quaker Foundation 124 North Broadway, New Philadelphia¸OH, 44663