Obituary of William J. Mahoney

William Joseph Mahoney, “Bill” passed away peacefully on June 17, 2024, surrounded by his

family, after suffering complications due to cancer. He was 78 years old.

To know Bill was to know a friend. He left a loving mark on all who knew him. He was a humble

and loving man whose goal in life was to bring joy to others. He would often say, be kind to

others and treat all as equals. He was proud of his Irish heritage, loving his trips back to

Ireland, always ready for a jig, and enjoyed many Irish festivals with family and friends.

Bill was born in Yonkers, NY on October 20, 1945 to the late William J. Mahoney and Loyola

(Watson) Mahoney. He graduated Charles E. Gorton High School and enlisted in the United

States Navy in 1964. He was proud of his time in the Navy, often telling stories of when he

would board Russian ships to assist in escorting them through the Panama Canal during the

Cuban Missile Crisis. Following his service, he began his career at Con Edison. Here he

worked and became a Senior Field Operator on the Emergency Response Team. On

September 11, 2001 he joined his crew bringing electricity to ground zero for search and rescue.

Bill returned to ground zero everyday after for four months, helping to bring power back to

ground zero and surrounding areas. In 2006 he retired from Con Edison to spend his days with

family and friends.

On March 2, 1975, he married the love of his life, Lauretta (Brown) Mahoney. The two met,

while Bill was admitted to the hospital for a surgery and Lauretta was a nursing student, and the

rest was history. In 1978 they moved to Poughquag, NY where they remained. Bill would

introduce Lauretta as his bride, for the entirety of their 49 years of marriage. They built a life

together based on love and respect.

Through his battle with cancer, Bill never lost his smile and optimism. He never complained,

always feeling fortunate that he could receive treatments. The family wishes to extend their

thanks and appreciation to the care team at Memorial Sloan Kettering Westchester site and

Hospital in Manhattan and for their care, compassion, and support.

Bill leaves behind a legacy of unwavering love. He was a cherished husband, father,

grandfather, uncle, great-uncle, and friend. His absence will be deeply felt, but his memory will

live on in the lives he touched. He will be loved forever.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Lauretta; his daughter, Kerry (Bob) Russell; his

grandchildren, Lauretta, Liam, and Edward; his sister, Mary Ann Mulvey; brother-in-law, Robert

Brown; great-nephews, Aidan and Nolan; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family will be holding a celebration of life at a later date.

Memorial donations can be made in Bill’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and Memorial

Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.