A Mass of Christian Burial for Msgr. John E. Mahoney, a retired priest of the diocese, is to be 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 is to be in St. John’s Cemetery, Middle Village.
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