Salem….

John D. Ahern age 83, husband for over 60 happy years of the late Claire Ahern formerly of Salem died Tuesday, August 07, 2007 .

He was born in Boston the son of the late John and Agnes Ahern. Following his graduation from Massachusetts Maritime Academy, he was commissioned as an Ensign serving aboard merchant ships in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters of operations during World War II.

After his discharge from the Navy, Mr. Ahern became employed for 40 years by New England Telephone retiring as a District Outside Plant Manager. He and his wife retired to Marco Island Florida for 20 years until returning to Massachusetts.

A member of the North East Surf Patrol, Bud loved the ocean, boating and fishing. He was an avid reader and enjoyed most spending time with his family. He had served the City of Salem for several years as a Park Commisioner and had been a Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Member of the San Marco Assembly Council 2514 and the B.P.O.E Elks Lodge 2010 Naples, Florida. He was also an ex-president and treasurer of the Aquarius Condominium Association.

Mr. Ahern is survived by five children, Dennis and his wife Pauline of Mt. Laurel, NJ, Karen and her husband John Driscoll of Palm Coast, Florida, Maureen and her husband Joseph Christianson of San Antonio, TX, Sheila and her husband Michael Craffey of Lynnfield, and John and his wife Joanne Ahern of Danvers; a brother Thomas and his wife Marilyn Ahern of Woodstock, VT; four sisters in law, Patricia Benson of Mashpee, Alice Ahern of Plymouth, Polly and her husband Paul Kelly of Quincy, and Kay and her husband John Germano of West Roxbury; two brothers in law Gerald and his wife Anita Johnson of Halifax, Ma and Peter and his wife Sharon Johnson of Hopedale, Ma; 15 devoted grandchildren Sara, David, Peter, Teagan and Connor Ahern, Mark, Tim and Maura Driscoll, Elizabeth, Anne, Catherine and Rose Christianson, Carly, Curtis and Neil Craffey; one great grandchild Rachel Claire Christianson and many loving nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brothers Francis X. and Richard T. Ahern.

His funeral will be held on Saturday at 10;30 A.M. from the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St., (cor of North ST) Salem to be followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 A.M. in ST. Thomas the Apostle Church, 2 Margin ST, Peabody ( at the Salem Peabody Line). Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visitation will be immediately before the funeral from 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Salem. In lieu of flowers the family request that you take a friend to lunch. For more information call 978 744 0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.