Edward Sterling Maher, 86, of Santa Barbara passed away peacefully on July 29, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Ed was born on Nov. 16, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois, to Warren Sterling Maher and Catherine Maher (McNellis).
He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1961-64. During his military service, he was stationed in Hamburg, Germany, where he achieved the rank of sergeant and served as a radio technician.
Following his discharge, Ed briefly returned to Chicago before relocating to Santa Maria in 1965 to join his sisters. It was here that he met the love of his life.
On April 2, 1968, Ed married Olivia (Libbie) Ziegler, and they honeymooned in San Francisco, beginning a lifelong tradition of joyful travel together.
Ed used the GI Bill to complete his education, earning a bachelor of arts in Central American history from the UC Santa Barbara.
He went on to enjoy a dedicated career spanning over 30 years as a telecommunications technician for General Telephone & Electronics (GT&E) and later Verizon Communications, tirelessly providing for his family.
Ed’s life was filled with treasured memories, including family trips to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, Hawaii, and Palm Springs, California.
He was a devoted parishioner of Saint Raphael Catholic Church in Goleta, California, and his faith provided him great strength and comfort.
Known for his incredible wit, charm, and unforgettable voice, Ed was the life of every gathering. Family and friends fondly remember him as the “fun uncle,” whose arrival always signaled that the celebration had truly begun.
His passion for movies, trivia and sports was legendary, as was his unwavering support for his beloved Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packers. Ed particularly loved Western films, and anything featuring Humphrey Bogart or John Wayne.
Though he playfully pretended reluctance with every new pet brought into the family, Ed always became their devoted caretaker. He supported causes dear to his heart, including The Boys Ranch, the National Wildlife Foundation, and the Democratic Party.
He exemplified kindness, empathy and resilience, maintaining a positive outlook despite numerous health challenges. One of his favorite sayings, delivered with characteristic finality, was “I think our job here is done.”
Ed is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years Olivia (Libbie) Maher; son Clifton (Cliff) Sterling Maher, and daughter-in-law Erin Maher (Reed) of Ladera Ranch, California; and his cherished grandchildren Christopher, 8, and Olivia, 5.
He was preceded in death by his sisters Mary Reeves, Elizabeth Maher, and Catherine Morris.
A simple graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11 at Goleta Cemetery. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and celebrate Ed’s remarkable life.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the compassionate care teams at Cottage Hospital and Divine Care for the Elderly.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ed’s memory to The Boys Ranch or the National Wildlife Foundation.
Ed’s enduring legacy of kindness, humor, and unwavering dedication to his family and friends will live on in all who knew and loved him.