Eugene McNally had recently retired from the Fire and Rescue Service as a watch commander in Newry, after 32 years of service.
Both carriageways of the A1 were closed between Newry and Loughbrickland after the crash but have since reopened.
Two men in their 30s were also injured in the crash on Tuesday evening.
Their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
A man in his 50s has died following a two-vehicle crash on the main road between Belfast and Newry, County Down.