ADAMS, Mass. — Ali Khaled Maher, of Belleville, Mich., passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He faced his illness with the same steadfast humor, strength, discipline, and resilience that defined every part of his life — tough as the mighty war tanks he helped design and build during the course of his twenty-five year career as a Mechanical Engineer.

Born and raised in Adams, Ali was a proud graduate of Hoosac Valley High School, Class of 1988, and went on to earn his Mechanical Engineering degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Class of 1995. His professional career reflected both brilliance and dedication, marked by steady advancement through some of the nation’s most respected engineering and defense companies including Ford Motor Company, General Dynamics, and most recently American Rheinmetall Vehicles.

A man of boundless curiosity and adventure, beyond his professional life, Ali enjoyed the outdoors in countless ways:  on his Indian motorcycle through the countrysides, as a licensed scuba and rescue diver, a skydiver, and an avid sport shooter and instructor. He was also able to find the simple joy in the serene experience and the beauty of nature in hiking and fishing while still being a true master in the artistry of fireworks - a self-proclaimed pyromaniac who brought spark and excitement wherever he went. When not outdoors, Ali could often be found immersed in a video game or book, surrounded by his extensive personal library that reflected a mind with a voracious appetite for learning.

Ali’s life was a testament to courage, intellect, and an unshakable sense of humor. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, curiosity, and deep love for his family.

He is survived by his devoted parents, Khaled and Salwa Maher of Adams; his loving siblings Rema Maier (Michael) of Lake Mary, Fla., Monir Maher (Nicole) of Tampa, Fla., and Jeneen Poplaski (Adam) of Cheshire; as well as cherished nieces and nephews Jenna, Nicholas, Raquelle, Henry, William, and Izabella.

Ali's life was full of light, knowledge, and laughter. Though cancer claimed his body, his fighting spirit remains undefeated— in the memories of those who knew him, the grand machines he helped craft, and the fire that always burned brightly within him.

FUNERAL NOTICE: The funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 18, at 9 a.m. from PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, located at 13 Hoosac St. Adams, MA. Burial will follow at Eastlawn Cemetery, Williamstown. Calling hours will take place on Friday, April 17, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

To leave a message for Ali’s family or to find directions, please visit www.paciorekfuneral.com.