Published in the November 27, 2015 edition
MELROSE — James F. Mahoney, 80, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015.
Jim was born in Somerville on June 23, 1935 and was the son of the late James F. and Marguerite (Newman) Mahoney. A South Boston native, he served as an altar boy at St. Augustine Church and graduated from Cathedral High School. After high school, Jim proudly served his country in the U.S. 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 and 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, N.H.; 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, athletics and activities. He enjoyed many years of swimming and fishing off the rowboat 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 was the former husband of Joanne (McDevitt) Averay. He was the devoted father of Michelle Roland and her husband Larry of Melrose; James F. Mahoney Jr. and his wife Mary Jo of Dover, N.H.; 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, Calif. He was the caring step-father of Stephen McCarthy of Nashua, N.H.; John McCarthy and his wife Leeann of North Conway; Sharon Corella of Melrose; Sandra Jay of Melrose; Lynn Roberts and her husband Mark of Florida; and Robert McCarthy of Billerica. He was the dear brother of Marguerite Chisholm and her husband Thomas of Hampton, N.H.; and the late Ann Tonra and Maureen Reynolds. He was the cherished grandfather of Amanda, Stephanie, Colleen, Aidan, Molly, Brendan, Andrew, Kiera and Mia. He was the step-grandfather of Christopher, Shayne, Domenic, Melissa, Danielle, Courtney, Haley, Dillon and Ryan. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor of Jim at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose during visiting hours on Sunday, Nov. 22 and again on Monday, Nov. 23 before leaving in procession to Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield for his funeral Mass. Honor Jim’s memory with a contribution to a charity of your choice. For online tribute or to share a memory, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
