William "Will" Edward Aherne, III

William "Will" Edward Aherne, III, of Annapolis, Maryland passed away on May 11th, 2023. He was born on April 1, 1967 in Philadelphia, PA to Dr. William E. and Susan Aherne. One year later the family moved to Annapolis and Will became a lifelong Annapolitan. He attended Wroxeter School and then Saint Mary’s School of Annapolis and graduated from there in 1985. A talented lacrosse player at St. Mary’s, he earned a scholarship to Duke University where he played for four years and graduated in 1989. After a few years of work experience, he went on to the University of Michigan and earned his MBA in 1995. 

Will met the love of his life Michelle (Shelly Jones) Aherne at Riordan’s in Annapolis in 1998. They were married one year later on the banks of the Severn River.  Having both attended St. Mary’s, they share many mutual friends and loved ones in Annapolis. Will and Shelly had four beautiful daughters, Eleanore, 22 years, Maxine (Mimi), 21, Estelle, 19, and Alice, 17, whom they raised in Annapolis. The Aherne girls continued the St. Mary’s tradition, all having passed through those halls. 

Will had a lifelong passion for sports, especially lacrosse and golf. In addition he was a voracious reader, skilled photographer and an exceptional cook. Family and friends will remember the incredible dishes he created without recipes or cookbooks. He loved having his girls gather with friends so they could be the lucky recipients of his creations. 

In addition to his wife and daughters, Will is survived by his father, Dr William Aherne (Lorrie Scardino) and mother, Susan Aherne, brother, David (Brooke), sister, Margaret (Roberts), nephews, Henry and Patrick  Aherne and Simon Moore and nieces, Ella Aherne and Mary and  Susanna Moore. Will was predeceased by his niece, Baker Mae Aherne. 

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. John Neumann, 620 N Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD on Wednesday May 17 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to The Aherne Daughters Education Fund at www.gofundme.com or send a check made out to Future Scholar directly to PO Box 219812 Kansas City, MO 64121 including the portfolio number 2553 and account number 2010990 lower left.