Phyllis Ann (Lombardi) Ahearn

Phyllis Ann (Lombardi) Ahearn, 90, of Milford, Massachusetts, died Sunday (April 13, 2025) at Countryside Healthcare of Milford after a period of declining health. She was the beloved wife of the late James Robert Ahearn.

Phyllis was a graduate of Milford High School, Class of 1952. She also earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Northeastern University (1978), a Master of Science degree in Accountancy from Bentley College (1981), and a Master of Arts degree in Public Administration from Framingham State College (1988).

Phyllis’s service to the Town of Milford spanned 43 years, beginning in 1953 as secretary to the Superintendent of Schools to becoming its first certified School Business Administrator in 1981. In 1985, she transitioned to Milford Town Hall as administrator to the Board of Selectmen.

Upon retiring in 1996, Phyllis served as a FEMA Disaster Reservist, and as Manager of the Laurelwood II of Milford Condominiums. Active on several town boards, she volunteered at the Milford Senior Center, and served as volunteer mediator and legal advocate in the Worcester, Dudley and Brookfield courts.

In addition to family visits in California and Texas, Phyllis enjoyed swimming, skiing, and traveling, rating Iceland, Scotland and Normandy as memorable experiences. Visits to the U.S. National Parks sparked an interest in environmental issues.

Phyllis credits her parents, Milford Police Sergeant Ernest Amedio Lombardi, who died in 1968, and Phyllis Pauline (Giacomuzzi) Lombardi, who died in 1995, for her interest in law (dad) and literature (mom), and her husband James Robert Ahearn, who died in 1971, for encouraging her independent spirit.

Her sons, Atty. Robert John Ahearn, of Addison, Texas, and Thomas Jay Ahearn, of Sacramento, California, and her granddaughter, Devon Clare Ahearn, of Santa Rosa, California, maintained a close relationship despite the separation of miles, and her step-son Dr. Mark J. Ahearn and his wife Susan, brother Bernard J. Lombardi and his wife Sandra, late sister Carole M. (Lombardi) Cristo and her late husband Joseph Cristo, and her many cherished nieces and nephews, for being a vital part of her life. Tom’s son Dylan James Ahearn, born and died December 5, 1997, was an enduring memory.

At Phyllis’ request, there are no visiting hours. Following cremation, a Graveside Committal Service was held at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Milford MA on May 5, 2025.

Friends can honor Phyllis’ memory with a contribution to her favorite charity, the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105.

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