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Daniel James Mahon, 80, of Hackettstown, NJ, passed away on February 24th after a valiant fight with cancer.
Daniel (Dan) was born on July 27th, 1940, to Daniel and Florence Mahon in Jersey City, NJ. The oldest of 12 children, Dan grew up in Gillette, NJ, where he developed his sense of adventure and a great love of the outdoors, exploring the Great Swamp and surrounding areas. Curious and technically inclined from an early age, Dan could be found rebuilding cars, boats, even an airplane with parts from local junkyards or operating his HAM radio. After graduating from Bailey Ellard High School in 1958, Dan worked as an electronics technician at Harrison Labs before enlisting in the Army Corp of Engineers. As a member of 93D Engineer Company, Dan completed a tour of duty in Germany and was awarded a Good Conduct Medal before being honorably discharged.
Dan met his wife of 53 years, Pat, through a ski club in Plainfield, close to where Pat was a ninth-grade history teacher. Their favorite place to ski was Vermont, and it became a special place for them. Together, they returned every year, introducing their three children, six grandchildren, extended family, and friends to the beautiful surroundings.
Dan attended the NJ Institute of Technology for engineering and received his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Pace University while working full time for Hewlett Packard. After graduation, he pursued a finance career, ultimately retiring from Thermo Electric, where he was the Chief Financial Officer and Vice President.
Despite his demanding work schedule, Dan always prioritized time with his family and the community. He volunteered as a Boy Scout Leader, served on the Finance Committee at St. Catherine’s Church in Mountain Lakes for over 20 years, participated in the YMCA Indian Princesses and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He loved nothing more than attending the sporting, arts, and musical events of his grandchildren. He could be found cheering at a soccer game, hockey tournament, or cross country meet, or videotaping a dance recital, school musical, or band concert on any given weekend. He loved to share his talents and interests with others, whether it be woodworking, photography, genealogy, or the latest computer technology advances. An Irish man through and through he loved Celtic music, Irish history and appreciated a pint of Guinness or shot of Bailey’s every once in a while.
But most of all, he loved the time he spent with his wife Pat, traveling and exploring new places, playing bridge or scrabble, discussing books they read, movies they watched, listening to music, and enjoying each other’s company.
Dan will be remembered for his kind heart, generous spirit, and independent Irish nature.
He is survived by his wife and sweetheart of 53 years, Olga Patricia Mahon; his children Shelley Dinehart (husband David), Daniel Mahon (wife Carrie) and Chris Mahon; 6 grandchildren, Matthew Dinehart, Abigail Dinehart, Connor Mahon, Chris Mahon, Cayden Mahon, and Kaia Dalrymple; and the many extended family, close friends and neighbors he loved.
A prayer service will be held on Saturday, Feburary 27th at 11 am at Cochran Funeral Home in Hackettstown, NJ. In light of Covid restrictions, family and friends may participate virtually via zoom. An in person memorial mass and celebration of life will be scheduled for later this year when we can gather safely. |