Adalbert "Bert" Mayer

Adalbert “Bert” Mayer, age 82, of Westford, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025, at Bridges by Epoch Memory Care in Westford, surrounded by care, compassion, and his family and friends. He was born on March 21, 1943.

Bert was the devoted husband of 58 years to Elizabeth “Liz” (Feldes) Mayer, the love of his life, who predeceased him on January 31, 2022. Their marriage was marked by deep affection, laughter, music, and partnership. In a remarkable twist of fate, Bert and Liz later discovered that they had unknowingly traveled on the same ship from Europe to the United States after World War II, long before they ever met.

Bert was a proud father to the late Kathleen Mayer of Westford, Michael Mayer and his wife, Sharon of Groton, and Christine (Mayer) Vercauteren and her husband, Geoff of North Chelmsford. He was a cherished grandfather to Katherine Mayer-Rines and her husband, Stephen of Harvard, Rachel Mayer of Everett, Carter Vercauteren of North Chelmsford, and Michael Mayer, Jr. of Groton, all of whom brought him immense joy.

He was predeceased by his beloved sister, Magdalena Hiris of Germany, who passed in August of 2025. Bert is fondly remembered as a loving uncle to Irmgard (Hiris) Lukanik of Florida, and Sieglinde (Hiris) Reichstein, Karin Hiris, and Ernst Hiris, all of Germany.

A true self-made man, Bert deeply valued education, hard work, and lifelong learning. After emigrating to the United States with his family following World War II, and settling in New York City with very little, Bert built an extraordinary life through determination and intellect. He earned his Associate’s degree in Aeronautical Design from the College of Aeronautics in New York, a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Lynchburg College, and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University.

Bert enjoyed a distinguished career as a mechanical engineer, with more than 40 years of experience in nuclear power plant design and operations. He retired from AREVA, where he served as Principal Engineer. He was a longtime and respected member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), serving as Chair of the ASME Power Division Heat Exchanger Committee, and later as Chair Emeritus. He co-authored numerous technical papers on nuclear power plant and engineering topics and was widely regarded for his expertise and integrity.

Bert and Liz made Westford their home for more than 50 years, where Bert became well known and deeply loved. He believed strongly in family, friendship, and community, and had an extraordinary gift for connection. Bert could become your friend in an instant — always ready with a joke, a laugh, or a warm conversation.

Music and joy filled Bert’s life. He loved to sing, play the harmonica, dance, and meet new people. Nothing made him happier than cutting a rug to a polka or a waltz with Liz, especially at their beloved German-American club. He was a bright spot in every room and brought happiness wherever he went.

Bert also loved food — especially lobster, seafood, and desserts. A talented home cook, he even invented his own barbecue sauce, which he made by the gallon and shared generously with family and friends. An avid fisherman and outdoor enthusiast, Bert loved canoeing, walking, and simply being outside. His most treasured memories were taking his grandchildren fishing, moments that reflected his patience, warmth, and love.

Bert will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many lives he touched. He held a special place in the hearts of the staff at Bridges by Epoch in Westford, and his longtime caregiver, Marie McNamara, whose kindness and dedication meant so much to him and his family.

Bert’s legacy is one of perseverance, intellect, kindness, laughter, and love. He will be remembered always and missed beyond measure.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to Bert’s visitation on Monday, January 12, 2026 from 4 until 7 PM at the WESTFORD HEALY FUNERAL HOME, 57 N Main Street, Westford. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 13th at 10 AM in Blessed Trinity Parish - St. Catherine of Alexandria Church, Westford. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bert’s memory to either the Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH Chapter, 320 Nevada Street, Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460 or to the Threshold Choir/Groton Hill Music Development Office, 122 Old Ayer Road, Groton, MA 01450.