A Mass of Christian Burial for Msgr. John E. Mahoney, a retired priest of the diocese, was celebrated Feb. 23 in the chapel at the Immaculate Conception Center, Douglaston. He died Feb. 18 at New York Presbyterian Hospital, Flushing. He was 71.
A native of Jackson Heights, he attended Cathedral Prep, Brooklyn and Elmhurst; Cathedral College, Brooklyn; and Immaculate Conception Seminary, Huntington. He was ordained by Bishop Francis J. Mugavero on May 27, 1972 at St. James Pro-Cathedral, Downtown Brooklyn.
He served as an assistant at Sacred Heart, East Elmhurst, 1972-78; and then was appointed to the faculty at Cathedral Prep, Elmhurst, where he taught from 1978 to 1987 and served as spiritual director from 1983 to 1987.
He also was a parochial vicar at St. Rose of Lima, Rockaway Beach, 1987-91, before being named to his first pastorate at Blessed Sacrament, Cypress Hills, 1991-97.
From 1997 to 2001, he was the episcopal vicar for Brooklyn East.
In 2001, he was appointed pastor of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, Bayside, where he served until 2008 when he went on medical leave while residing at St. Andrew Avellino rectory, Flushing.
In 2009, he was assigned to Our Lady of Fatima, East Elmhurst, and served there as a parochial vicar, 2009; administrator, 2009-12; and pastor, 2012-15.
Auxiliary Bishop Raymond Chappetto was the main celebrant of the funeral Mass. Special concelebrants included Msgrs. John A. McGuirl, and Edward Ryan, who preached the homily, and Father John J. Fullum.
“Msgr. John Mahoney’s dedication to the mission of the church in the diocese was immense,” recalled Msgr. Ryan.
“As a priest, educator, and pastor, he was so talented and effective. As a friend, he was absolutely beloved.
“Quiet but with profound faith, which allowed him to face and live with the loss of his mobility. His faith gave him strength and peace. He always lived with serenity and an unfailing sense of humor.”
Msgr. Mahoney is survived by his sister, Katherine Brennan of Middle Island, L.I.
Burial was in St. John’s Cemetery, Middle Village.
We mourn the death of Msgr. John Mahoney; he was a truly wonderful priest. Since this is 2/21/18, I don’t believe the Mass was celebrated on 2/23/18 quite yet; neither has he been buried, in case there are friends, former students and parishioners who would like to attend the wake, funeral Mass, and burial.
I knew and loved John since he was a Deacon at St. Francis of Assisi in LIC. Her served the Church with both fervor and good humor; his Gospel values always went with him. Requiescat in pace.
Carmel,
I would like to use your comment about Msgr. Mahoney asa letter in The Tabet. can you please send me your full address for verification purposes only.
Ed Wilkinson.,Editor
Thank you so much.
Thank you so much.
Monsignor Mahoney was a fine man ,a good teacher
and a loyal priest.
I met him when I was at Cathedral in 1978. He always
greated everyone with a smile . Although he was a young priest in those days it was easy to see he was a serious person with a mission. It was clear that he believed .
Saints of God, come to his aid!
Come to meet him angels of the Lord!
Receive his soul and present him to God the Most High.
Amen
Thank you so much.
Monsignor Mahoney taught me history when I was a student at Cathedral Prep.He was a fine teacher who made the subject enjoyable. He also was a caring, dedicated priest (and a loyal Mets’ fan!) . Today, I teach history at Cathedral and I keep his spirit alive through my lesson. Rest in Peace!
And is STILL a loyal Met’s fan in Heaven. Thank you so much.