Joseph L. Mahoney
February 23, 1931 - October 11, 2016
Obituary
Mahoney, Joseph October 11th, 2016
Joseph La Reaue Mahoney was born February 23, 1931, in Buffalo, New York. Joseph entered St. Anthony’s seminary in the eighth grade with the intent of becoming a Franciscan priest. He spent nine years in the seminary and continued on as a lay brother, studying for the priesthood at Immaculate Heart Seminary in San Diego. At the age of twenty-eight, he decided to leave the seminary and pursue another life path. Joseph was very devoted to his Catholic faith, and felt that it was God’s will that he leave the seminary. He completed his undergraduate degree and worked for many years for the United States Postal Service, retiring in 1992.
Joseph met the love of his life, Donna Fisk, through a Catholic singles group and they were married on April 19, 1969. Joseph and Donna were happily married for 45 years and are survived by their four children, Maria Adsley, Marc Mahoney, Marijo Mahoney, and Mindy Mason; and their two grandchildren, Alyssa Mahoney and Kendall Mahoney. Joseph is also survived by his eldest sister, Sr. Carol.
Joseph had an engaging, curious, and playful personality. He was an incredibly caring man who provided unconditional love to his family. Joseph took his faith very seriously and devoted his life to “finding Christ wherever he is.” He truly celebrated life.
A memorial service will be held at St. Vincent De Paul Parish, Federal Way, on October 21, 2016, at 11:30 a.m. A reception will follow, then the burial service at 2:30 p.m. at Gethsemane Cemetery in Federal Way.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the American Alzheimer’s association
Oh, Joe, you were the love of my childhood life! You played with us, paid attention to us, took us on hikes & camping, brought over a Christmas tree every year. You were absolutely my favorite person, the best cousin ever & I will miss you greatly.
Dear Mahoney family, your dad was such a good man, a dear person whose heart was full of love & kindness. The world was a happier place with Joe in it. I hope your good memories of him provide you with some comfort as you grieve his passing.
Love,
your cousin, Ann
Always our favorite uncle. thought of by us as “cool” back then as he did everything: active in sports, in dating, in school and academics, always up for fun and a joke. He was devoted to Mahoney family and especially Nanny Aggie.
Many many fond memories of fun and laughs with him.
Virginia’s oldest daughter, Barbara
Dear Maria, Marc, Marijo, and Mindy,
I am so sad and sorry to read that your father has passed away. Joe (and the rest of his family) was so kind to me and my family when we moved to Seattle from Buffalo in 1959. Joe spent a lot of time with us, taking us to movies, plays, hikes, camping trips, etc. We thought he was just great!
My favorite memory of your father is the time he took my brother, Jack, my sister, Ann, David Casey, and me on a long camping trip to ShiShi Beach on the Olympic Peninsula at the very Northwestern tip. We had a great time, and Joe was so patient with four young kids (I think I was 10).
I also fondly remember Joe’s collie, Black Knight, his constant companion.
When I called your dad a few months ago, he remembered that ShiShi Beach trip like it was yesterday instead of more than 50 years ago. He remembered more details about it than I did! We had a lovely conversation that day.
My condolences to you and your families, and thank you for sharing your wonderful father with us before you were even born.
Sincerely, Kathy Conroy O’Hara
Prayers to all of the Mahoney family. Also thinking of Uncle Don, Chris and Tim who knew Joe well.
Josh Bell’s mom,
Virginia
I remember Joe as the coolest uncle. He would always play with us in the backyard when he came to visit playing frisbee and riding bikes with us in the neighborhood. It was always fun to go visit at his house because you never knew what kind of pet he would have next!
When he first moved to Federal Way I remember my brothers Tim and Lee and I stayed overnight at his new house. He knew we like to bicycling so he took us on a off-road bicycling Adventure on the power lines in Federal Way.I have lots of fun memories visiting Joe and Donna and my cousins at that house. He was a good letter writer and pen pal for some time like Sr. Carol. He made the world a kinder place.
Joe was special to our family. He and Donna did a lot of baby sitting for our family when our children were young. They arranged baby showers for us and helped us move into our current residence in 1981. Joe is also remembered by all of his friends from the Catholic Chancellor Club. He was an active member for many years and his antics during the annual outings to Birch Bay are well known! We regret not seeing more of Joe in recent years. Previous to his move to Federal Way they lived in our neighborhood in Seattle. Joe was a dedicated family man loyal friend. We offer our sincere condolences to Maria, Mary Jo, Mark and their respective family members. Pat and Kay Duvall and family
Please accept our apologies for omitting Mindy’s name in our posting on Joe’s Guest Book. Pat Duvall
Today, my dad went to be with Jesus, His Lord and Savior. He is reunited with mom and everyone that has gone before him. I know he is singing and dancing and whooping it up. He has left a big hole in my heart and many others. Thank you dad for being such a loving, devoted father. I am so blessed by your unconditional love. You have touched many people, you were always engaging. You will be so missed…
This is my post from facebok
Dear Maria, Marc, Marijo, and Mindy,
Sister was saddened to hear that Joe passed away. At the same time she is so happy that she had several visits with Joe before he died. She had thought all of her siblings had gone to Heaven. Thank you Maria for getting in touch with us. This morning as Joe was buried we celebrated his life here in our Chapel. Reading the memories of others who have posted them, Carol only re-echoes the Love and Christ-like person that her brother was to her and so many. We express our sympathy to you his children and his extended family. Sister Carol sends you her love and prayers.