Philip J. "Max" Mara

GARDNER – Philip J. “Max” Mara, 91, of 66 Cherry Street, Gardner, died on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Max was a lifelong resident of Gardner, born on July 30, 1927, the son of John “Jack” Mara and Lillian (Tremblay) Mara. He graduated from the Sacred Heart School and Gardner High School class of 1945. Mr. Mara worked as a sales representative in the insurance industry for 35 years and retired from Metropolitan Life in 1995. He was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church. He was actively involved in state and local politics, and was a member of the Elks Club and VFW Post 905 for more than 50 years. Max was drafted by the US Army and served in the Korean War. He was awarded the Bronze Star medal for distinguished heroic achievement in 1952. Max’s family and friends were most important to him. He married Julie (Pellerin), his wife of 59 years, in 1953. They taught their children the importance of education, hard work, and self-responsibility. He took great pride in knowing about and sharing the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. Christmas Eve was Max’s favorite day of the year, when he opened his home to celebrate with his family and close friends. Because he took so easily to people, and they to him, Max developed friends of all ages. Most important to him, however, were the many friendships he developed as a youth and maintained throughout his life. Sports were an important part of Max’s life and friendships. During his childhood, he fondly recalls playing on neighborhood football and baseball teams. He later managed softball teams in the city league, and he played on the Gardner Hillside Gymnasts football team. He was a passionate fan of all Boston sports teams. He was pre-deceased by his wife Julie in 2012. He leaves two sons, John P. Mara and his wife Holly of Concord, Stephen M. Mara and his wife Gina of Gardner; two daughters, Patricia A. Mara and her husband Allen Kriskowski of Fairfax, VA, Lisa Mara and her husband Paul Powell; eleven grandchildren, Eric Batt and his wife Alexandra, Kara Hill and her husband Andrew, Jack Mara, Patrick Mara and his fiancé Katie Williams, Kate Batt, Derick Mara, Ryan Meehan, Jeffrey Mara, Jackie Mara, Nathan Meehan, and Sean Meehan; also many close and lifelong friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, December 20, 2018 at 11 a.m. in Holy Spirit Church, 50 Lovewell St., Gardner. Burial will follow in Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, Winchendon with full military honors. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, December 19, 2018 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central Street, Gardner. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made in his memory to GVNA Hospice, Office of Fund Development, 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, MA 01440. To send an online condolence please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com. Mack Family Funeral Home 105 Central St., Gardner is directing arrangements.