James F. Mahoney
June 23, 1935 — November 18, 2015
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Past Services
Visitation
Funeral Mass
James F. Mahoney
Jim was born in Somerville on June 23, 1935, son of the late James F. Mahoney and Marguerite (Newman) Mahoney. A South Boston native, he served as an altar boy at St. Augustine's Church and graduated from Cathedral High School. After high school, Jim proudly served his country in the US Army during the Korean War. While stationed in Alaska he befriended the late Bud Reidelle, who became a lifelong dear friend. After receiving an honorable discharge, he married settling in Melrose to raise a family of five. Jim was a sole proprietor of Mahoney Wallpapering & Painting which he operated for over 30 years, serving Melrose and the surrounding Greater Boston area. Jim devoted his working career to the trade, and even brought his nephews in and taught them the business.
Jim was an active member of the Lt. Norman Prince VFW Post #1506 in Melrose and enjoyed marching with fellow veterans in the VFW parade. He also enjoyed the camaraderie of sharing time with friends and neighbors while giving back to the community as a member of the Melrose Knights of Columbus, Council #128. Jim was well known as a "glass is half full kind of guy" and always saw the silver lining in everything. Cheerful with a classic Irish sense of humor, Jim enjoyed a good laugh with his friends and family and could get along with anyone he met. He was blessed with ability to always know the right thing to say to make you feel at ease. With his trademark sarcasm, he often looked at the lighter side of things and shared his laughter with those around him. He always enjoyed a good time square dancing and for many years bowled regularly at the Town Line in Saugus.
In his free time, Jim loved spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. Whether camping in Nova Scotia, visiting Disney World and Niagara Falls, driving on Sundays up north to see the foliage, or summers at the cottage in Gilmanton, NH, Jim loved being active with his family. He looked forward to many gatherings to see everyone, but always kept up to date on his grandchildren's progress in school, or athletics, and activities. He enjoyed many years of swimming and fishing off the row boat on Sawyer Lake and had an appreciation for the beautiful mountain and lake scenery of New Hampshire and Maine. Jim passed away surrounded by his family while watching the sun rise and set one final time from his window.Above all else, Jim was a beloved family man whose easy going nature will be forever cherished.
Jim was the beloved husband of Beverly (MacPherson) Mahoney and former husband of Joanne (McDevitt) Averay. Devoted father of Michelle Roland and her husband Larry of Melrose, James F. Mahoney, Jr. and his wife Mary Jo of Dover, NH, Greg J. Mahoney and his wife Patricia of Essex, Joanelle K. Deleire and her husband Donald of Wakefield, and Keith J. Mahoney and his wife Marisa of Burbank, CA. Caring step-father of Stephen McCarthy of Nashua, NH, John McCarthy and his wife Leeann of N. Conway, Sharon Corella of Melrose, Sandra Jay of Melrose, Lynn Roberts and her husband Mark of FL, and Robert McCarthy of Billerica. Dear brother of Marguerite Chisholm and her husband Thomas of Hampton, NH, and the late Ann Tonra, and Maureen Reynolds.Cherished grandfather of Amanda, Stephanie, Colleen, Aidan, Molly, Brendan, Andrew, Kiera, Mia, and step-grandfather of Christopher, Shayne, Domenic, Melissa, Danielle, Courtney, Haley, Dillon, and Ryan. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends will gather in honor of Jim at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose during visiting hours on Sunday, Nov. 22 from 2-6pm, and again on Monday at 9am before leaving in procession to Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield for his Funeral Mass celebrated at 10am. Honor Jim's memory with a contribution to a charity of your choice.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James F. Mahoney, please visit our flower store.
Past Services
Visitation
Sunday, November 22, 2015
2:00 - 6:00 pm
Robinson Funeral Home
Funeral Mass
Monday, November 23, 2015
Starts at 10:00 am
Most Blessed Sacrament Church
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