Michael Joseph Mahr

Michael J. Mahr, 90, longtime owner-operator of Casa Talavera Tile Co., in Albuquerque's Old Town, died peacefully at his home in Albuquerque on Sunday, January 23, of natural causes.
Michael was born in Detroit, Mich., on July 28, 1931. After graduating from high school in 1949, he worked at the Detroit News advertising department before being drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He served with a medical detachment unit that was assigned to treat both U.S. military and South Korean civilians
Upon discharge, Michael moved to Albuquerque to join his family that had recently relocated here, and attended UNM on the GI Bill. He moved to New York City in 1954, where he met his first wife, Joan, and began a family of his own. He worked briefly for the New York Times business operation before going into business for himself and founding, with a partner, an automobile pricing publication.
Following the death of his wife, Michael moved back to Albuquerque in 1977, married Phillippa, and founded Casa Talavera, operating out of rented space in Old Town before moving eventually to the current location at 621 Rio Grande Blvd, NW.
Michael was a bibliophile and collector of fine art. He enjoyed traveling around the southwest and the U.S., acquiring art objects and seeking out first edition books for his vast literary collection.
Michael was predeceased by his parents, Edwin Patrick and Mary Winifred Mahr; his sister, Mary Wynne Mahr; his brother, John Patrick Mahr, and his first wife, Joan.
He is survived by his sons, Aaron (Eva) and Paul Mahr, both of Albuquerque; his beloved granddaughter, Stella Mahr of Albuquerque; former wife, Philippa, of Phoenix, Arizona; stepdaughters Laura Eidelson of Seattle, Wash., and Allison Darnell of Cave Creek, Ariz.; brother, Edwin T. (Joline) of Albuquerque; nieces Amy Mahr of Albuquerque, and Kristin Gubser of Phoenix.
Michael's cremains will be buried with his brother, John, also a Korean War Army veteran, at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at a family ceremony this spring.