Paul H Maier

Athol — Paul Hadley Maier, 86, passed away peacefully on October 30th, 2025, at Quabbin Valley Healthcare in Athol, surrounded by loving family.

Born June 3, 1939, in Rumford, Maine, to Karl F. G. and Violet (Hadley) Maier, Paul grew up in Athol, graduated from Athol High School in 1957, earned a BA in Economics in 1961 from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, where he met the love of his life, Freda (Shepherd) Maier. Married in 1962, they shared 63 adventure-filled years together.

Paul worked in the family business, Athol Table Manufacturing, Inc. for 40 years, where he was the company’s treasurer and was seen as a face of the company in local business circles.

Family was at the heart of Paul’s life. He took great joy in gatherings at home, sunny lakeside afternoons at Packard Heights in Orange, and family trips to visit friends and relatives. Vacations often involved camping, cottages in Ocean Park, Maine, and later, travels to many countries.

Music and service both played significant roles in his life. A lifelong member of the Starrett Memorial United Methodist Church, Paul served as treasurer, sang in the choir, and provided countless hours of behind the scenes support. His baritone voice could be heard in choruses throughout the area, including high school and college glee clubs, Singing Men of Athol, Greater Gardner Community Chorus, Yankee Male Chorus, YMCA Minstrel Shows, and many other groups.

An enduring volunteer, Paul gave freely of his time to causes and organizations close to his heart. He served on the boards of the Athol YMCA, Athol Savings Bank, Athol Memorial Hospital, and the United Way, heading up several drives over the years. He helped as a school reader and “Nature Buddy” with first graders and rarely missed a town meeting.

Paul was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Karl F. Maier of Longwood,

Florida. He is survived by his wife Freda; four children: Paul Maier, Jr. (Charon), Evelyn Soucie (Andrew) - all of Athol, Alan Maier (Michele) of Dracut, and Elizabeth Dunning of Fitchburg; 13 grandchildren: Allison Soucie (fiancé Adam Knurek), Sara Hess (Jesse), Katherine Soucie, Adam Maier, Nicholas Maier (Shanley), David Soucie, Kevin Soucie (Theresa), Beckett, Rachel, Matthew, and Emmett Dunning, Madison, and Kaylee Maier, five great-grandchildren: Sean and Connor Hess, Aleah Hernandez, Corey and Lorna Maier, and a wealth of extended family, friends, and neighbors.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Quabbin Valley Healthcare and Beacon Hospice for their devoted care, kindness, and family support.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, November 6th, 6-8:00 PM, at Mack Family Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Rd., Orange MA. 

A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 7th, at 11:00 AM at Starrett Memorial United Methodist Church, 40 Island St.

Athol, MA. A private burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Athol Area YMCA.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com.