Obituary of David Francis Mahoney

David Francis Mahoney, 76, died May 13, 2012, of pancreatic cancer at his home in Brunswick, Maine surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Phyllis; daughter Roberta Salerno and her husband Michael of Brunswick, Maine; son Timothy Mahoney of Brunswick, Maine; son David Mahoney of Wells, Maine; daughter Ann-Marie Costa and her husband Jesse of Belmont, Massachusetts; five grandchildren, Ashley Salerno, Ryan Salerno, Thomas Mahoney, Emma Costa and Lily Costa. He is also survived by his brothers, James Mahoney and wife Mae of Trevose, Pennsylvania, Paul Mahoney of Germantown, Tennessee, Stephen Mahoney and wife Margaret of Scituate, Massachusetts, and Richard Mahoney of Dublin, Georgia; and his brother-in-law Jack Donahue of Chelmsford, Massachusetts as well as numerous nieces and nephews. David was born in Boston, Massachusetts on September 5, 1935, the son of James and Margaret (Herlihy) Mahoney of Belmont, Massachusetts. He grew up in Belmont and developed a keen interest in learning. In 1959 he graduated with a degree in history from Tufts University and did some teaching thereafter. On November 19, 1960 he married Phyllis in Arlington, Massachusetts and they bought their first home in Westford, Massachusetts. He embarked on a career in the insurance business, one which spanned over three decades and included the companies, Norfolk and Dedham, American Mutual and Allendale Insurance. All the while the family grew, living first in Acton, Massachusetts, and subsequently Barrington, Rhode Island and then Norwell, Massachusetts. He remained an avid reader of history and it was during this time that he obtained a Master’s degree in European history from Providence College. In 1986 he took a position as a Senior Human Resources Administrator at Central Maine Power Company of Augusta, Maine, and he and his family settled in Brunswick, Maine. After retiring in 1995 he worked part-time at Brunswick Ford but spent the majority of his time enjoying his family, with a particular devotion to the grandchildren he so loved and of whom he was so proud. He also derived great pleasure from such things as historical documentaries, British detective shows, Boston Sports teams and classical music. He shall be exceedingly missed. A memorial will be held on Friday, May 16, in St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 132 McKeen St, Brunswick, Maine at 2 o’clock. Interment will take place at Westview Cemetery in Lexington, Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in David’s name to the www.Dana-Farber.org and directed to support the Pancreatic Cancer Fund or the charity of your choice.