In Memoriam, John E. Ahern

It is with great sadness that J. F. Ahern Co. announces the passing of John E. Ahern Jr.  John fulfilled many roles in life including son, husband, father, community servant and dedicated Ahern employee.  He excelled in each of those roles.

John’s career at Ahern spanned 60 years.  During those 60 years, John held many roles.  John first began his career at Ahern in 1967 holding the role of Treasurer.  He became the President in 1969 and assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer in 1971.  In 1994, John assumed the role of Chairman while continuing in his role as Chief Executive Officer when his son John (Tripp) E. Ahern III became President.  In 2018, he assumed the role of Chairman Emeritus.  Even though his role changed over the years he continued to add value to Ahern through his valuable counsel and perspective.

John was a tireless supporter of J. F. Ahern Co. and historian of the family owned and operated business that was founded by his great-great-grandfather in 1880.  His strong leadership and sense of purpose helped contribute to the growth of Ahern from 50 employees to more than 1,500 while still holding strong to the values that the company was founded on.  John’s leadership in large and small ways helped turn Ahern into one of the most highly respected mechanical contractors in the nation.  John valued not only the family owned aspect of J. F. Ahern Co. but also the contributions that Ahern employees made to its success.  John always made it a point to say hello to all employees, introduce himself to their spouses and make everyone feel valued for their contributions.  He understood that the value of Ahern was not in buildings or equipment but in the people.

John’s name will always be synonymous with J. F. Ahern Co. and its core values of honesty, community commitment, excellence, adaptability and stewardship as he embodied each of these.  He will be dearly missed by all but especially his fellow Ahern employees that had the pleasure of knowing, working and talking with John.  John not only lived up to the legacy that was left for him but he leaves a legacy for the future that Ahern employees are committed to honoring and upholding.

John’s obituary can be read at https://www.zacherlfuneralhome.com/obituaries/John-E-Ahern-Jr?obId=4168973#/obituaryInfo