Leo Paul Mahoney's Obituary
Leo Paul Mahoney
Born 10/3/1941 in Whitinsville, MA. He married his beloved doll, Sandra on 5/25/91. Leo died on 10/19/16 after his 16-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife Sandra, and his four children: Paul Mahoney and wife Laurie, Joanne Cancelmo and husband Richard, Jennifer Goldman and husband Kissinger, and Jeffrey Rakitt and wife Susan. He will be missed by his nine grandchildren: Patrick, Reagan, Catherine, Mackenzie, Ethan, Ezra, Jonah, Elijah, and Eliana.
He was one of ten children from his father John Patrick and his mother Helen (Christian). He was predeceased by three of his siblings, Ilene, Johnny, and Mary. His surviving siblings are Francis, James, Elizabeth, Joseph, William, and Patricia. One of the greatest memories Leo’s siblings will remember in great detail are their many golf outings.
Leo attended school in Northbridge, MA. Throughout high school, he was the star of the football and baseball teams. He joined the Navy when he was just seventeen years old, displaying the courage he had that others envied. After the Navy he attended Worcester State and Clark University. He later went on to Florida State University to study for his Doctorate.
After college Leo spent 33 years teaching at Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island. He will be fondly remembered by many students as the toughest teacher they ever had. He began teaching to force himself to overcome his shyness and fear of public speaking. During his years at Bryant he was very involved with the teachers Federation including serving as President.
Sixteen years ago he achieved his dream of retiring and moving to Florida. He had many wonderful friends and great memories in Florida. His other great love was talking politics. You couldn’t walk into the house without having to discuss current events.
Donations may be made to Ramat Shalom, 11301 W. Broward Blvd, Plantation, FL or the American Parkinson’s Association.
Services at Ramat Shalom, 11:30 AM Friday October 21, 2016.
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