Contributions to the tribute of Kevin J. Mahoney

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Wednesday, August 30, 2023

EULOGY by Jon Mercer 4/16/2023 Thank you all for being here today to honor and celebrate my Dad, Kevin Mahoney, or as my brother Chris, sister Sarah and I affectionately called him, Kev. He was also known by many of his family as King-size Kev. How can you describe the life of someone who seemed bigger than life itself, someone who lived a life that was truly king-size? The baby brother of six beautiful sisters (Kay, Margaret, Jo-Anne, Debbie) who are with us here today, and Maureen and Michelle, who passed before him, and will be welcoming him home. The only son of Ginny and Joseph. Kev was an Irishman, a Marine and a railroader. He spent half his life trying to get bartenders to make his drinks strong enough because, as he put it, he wasn’t a cheap date. He had a sharp mind and even sharper wit. Kev was an avid fan of all sports. He played soccer and football in high school at Lew-Port. He would regale you with stories of his old playing days on a regular basis. He enlisted in the Marine Corps right after high school and served in the Avionics Division of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing in San Diego. He was able to see the world during his time in the Corps. We would be here for days if I tried recounting all his stories to you. After he got out of the Corps, he returned home to Youngstown where he met my Mom while playing volleyball a the Porter House. As the story goes, my Mom’s team was in 1st place, and Kev was subbing on a team of scrubs. He made a bet with her that she had to go on a date with him if his team won. As he told the story, Kev won the game singlehandedly by going after every ball, knocking everyone out of the way. Not sure if Kev knew at this point that my Mom had three young kids at home, but I am happy to say that Kev was in for the long haul. Chris, Sarah and I couldn’t have been luckier. My Mom and Kev were married a few years later in November of 1991. A few years later, Kev hired out on the railroad working for CSX, Conrail at the time, in the Niagara Falls yard. He went on to become an engineer. Kev loved working on the railroad and loved to talk on end about his work. Half the time, we didn’t know what the hell he was talking about. Kev and my Mom lived together in Lewiston for over 30 years, celebrating their 30th Anniversary a couple of years ago. They had some great pets over the years including Ebony, Dooley, Alex, Tresi and Molly. My parents were Buffalo Bills season ticket holders along with my Uncle Mark in the front row for many years. Matt LaChance carries on Kev’s legacy to this day in those same seats. The tailgates that took place in Lot 5, Pole 1 were legendary. Kev was the type of Dad that you bragged to your friends about. There was no doubt in my mind when I said my Dad could kick any of the other Dad’s asses. He also wanted us to have fun. I remember the time Kev took Chris and I to our baseball games down at Veteran’s Park in Youngstown. It was a beautiful day when suddenly a torrential rainstorm rolled through and everyone rushed for cover. We were all standing underneath the shelter when the rain finally passed. The fields were flooded and a few kids decided to start sliding through puddles. Some of the other parents were horrified at how dirty they were getting. Kev looked at us and goes, “Well, what are you waiting for?” Some of the happiest days of his life were when Chris & Jamie were married and Sarah & Bill were married as well as the births of his five grandchildren; CJ, Ryan Kevin, Kara, Megan and Jack! Another was when I finally moved out of the house. Kev had a gift of making everyone he met feel welcome and he was an all time great story teller. He was generous, humble and strong-willed, or as my Mom would call it, stubborn. He loved his family and friends and he wanted everyone to have a great time when they got together. Today is no different, so please raise your glasses in a toast to KEV! Semper Fi! Hoorah!

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Margaret Mahoney posted a condolence

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

EULOGY by Jon Mercer 4/16/2023 Thank you all for being here today to honor and celebrate my Dad, Kevin Mahoney, or as my brother Chris, sister Sarah and I affectionately called him, Kev. He was also known by many of his family as King-size Kev. How can you describe the life of someone who seemed bigger than life itself, someone who lived a life that was truly king-size? The baby brother of six beautiful sisters (Kay, Margaret, Jo-Anne, Debbie) who are with us here today, and Maureen and Michelle, who passed before him, and will be welcoming him home. The only son of Ginny and Joseph. Kev was an Irishman, a Marine and a railroader. He spent half his life trying to get bartenders to make his drinks strong enough because, as he put it, he wasn’t a cheap date. He had a sharp mind and even sharper wit. Kev was an avid fan of all sports. He played soccer and football in high school at Lew-Port. He would regale you with stories of his old playing days on a regular basis. He enlisted in the Marine Corps right after high school and served in the Avionics Division of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing in San Diego. He was able to see the world during his time in the Corps. We would be here for days if I tried recounting all his stories to you. After he got out of the Corps, he returned home to Youngstown where he met my Mom while playing volleyball a the Porter House. As the story goes, my Mom’s team was in 1st place, and Kev was subbing on a team of scrubs. He made a bet with her that she had to go on a date with him if his team won. As he told the story, Kev won the game singlehandedly by going after every ball, knocking everyone out of the way. Not sure if Kev knew at this point that my Mom had three young kids at home, but I am happy to say that Kev was in for the long haul. Chris, Sarah and I couldn’t have been luckier. My Mom and Kev were married a few years later in November of 1991. A few years later, Kev hired out on the railroad working for CSX, Conrail at the time, in the Niagara Falls yard. He went on to become an engineer. Kev loved working on the railroad and loved to talk on end about his work. Half the time, we didn’t know what the hell he was talking about. Kev and my Mom lived together in Lewiston for over 30 years, celebrating their 30th Anniversary a couple of years ago. They had some great pets over the years including Ebony, Dooley, Alex, Tresi and Molly. My parents were Buffalo Bills season ticket holders along with my Uncle Mark in the front row for many years. Matt LaChance carries on Kev’s legacy to this day in those same seats. The tailgates that took place in Lot 5, Pole 1 were legendary. Kev was the type of Dad that you bragged to your friends about. There was no doubt in my mind when I said my Dad could kick any of the other Dad’s asses. He also wanted us to have fun. I remember the time Kev took Chris and I to our baseball games down at Veteran’s Park in Youngstown. It was a beautiful day when suddenly a torrential rainstorm rolled through and everyone rushed for cover. We were all standing underneath the shelter when the rain finally passed. The fields were flooded and a few kids decided to start sliding through puddles. Some of the other parents were horrified at how dirty they were getting. Kev looked at us and goes, “Well, what are you waiting for?” Some of the happiest days of his life were when Chris & Jamie were married and Sarah & Bill were married as well as the births of his five grandchildren; CJ, Ryan Kevin, Kara, Megan and Jack! Another was when I finally moved out of the house. Kev had a gift of making everyone he met feel welcome and he was an all time great story teller. He was generous, humble and strong-willed, or as my Mom would call it, stubborn. He loved his family and friends and he wanted everyone to have a great time when they got together. Today is no different, so please raise your glasses in a toast to KEV! Semper Fi! Hoorah!

M

Margaret Mahoney posted a condolence

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

“A Beautiful Life” A beautiful life that came to an end, he died as he lived, everyone’s friend. In our hearts a memory will always be kept, of one we loved, and will never forget.

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Margaret Mahoney posted a condolence

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

I REMEMBER I remember Uncle Kevin could kick a soccer ball the entire length of a soccer field. (This is one of my first memories of him.) I can still see him winding up for the kick and watching the ball soar across the entire field. I looked at him with stars in my eyes then, just as I always have in my adult life. I remember… I remember the worry that hung in the air when he was in the Marines. I am easily taken back to a time when we sat anxiously awaiting phone calls and news of deployments in Grandma Mahoney’s house. I sat on the couch and played his handheld video football game, listening to all of the concerned adult voices around me. I just kept playing, trying to remember everything he taught me about the game. I remember… I remember when he was hurt in his construction job and all of the surgeries he went through. He was always so loving even when he was in pain and going through life’s unexpected twists and turns. This never changed. I remember… I remember when he brought Karen, Chris, Sarah and Jon into our lives, and the joy we all felt at their wedding. We were lucky to have such a union in our lives. What is more meant to be than Kevin (who has six sisters) finding a wife that has five brothers?! I remember… I remember sharing in Bills fandom with the best tailgater around. He took me to several Bills games and gave me experiences I will never forget. Later in life, we would always text during the games. (He always rallied behind some of my “second” favorite teams in Indiana too :-) I remember… I remember he taught me to be loyal no matter the outcome, love family above everything, know your heritage and be dedicated to it, share time and make traditions. I remember… I remember he was the funniest person to be around. There are moments at family reunion campfires in Canada that still make me laugh out loud. His humor was honest, sometimes raw, and always hilarious. I remember… I remember his competitive spirit pushed others to rise to the occasion… (After all, he and my Mom did win a family reunion washer tournament together ;-) I remember… I remember he was always there for me in both trials and the triumphs of life. My guess is… you remember this too. And you remember… what an honor it was… just to even know him. Written by Dr. Colleen Coulter 4/3/2023

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Martin Muniz uploaded photo(s)

Monday, May 22, 2023

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More pics

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Martin Muniz uploaded photo(s)

Monday, May 22, 2023

My sincere condolences to the Mahoney family. We attended 1st Grade (Youngstown Red Brick School) and 3rd Grade (Lewiston Red Brick School), and a few other classes throughout junior high. In first grade, on our field trip to the Buffalo Zoo, "Kev J" threw part of his lunch sandwich into the gorilla exhibit, and the gorillas fought for it - "don't feed the animals" we were yelled at by the zookeepers. Later in the week, the schools art teacher, Mrs Swensen, had all of us draw and share what we experienced on the field trip...we all painted "Kevin-the-Gorilla" eating his sandwich in a cage. We were the very last class to attend the Lewiston Red Brick School before it closed. On our last day of school, we were allowed to draw and write our names with markers and pens on the walls; I'm sure our artwork and signatures are still on the walls, hidden behind the wood panels located in the Town Hall Meeting Room (third floor). Kevin was a well respected athlete, representing both the football and soccer programs. After high school, he honorably served our country as a U.S. Marine, and went on to work for CSX Railroad for 27-years, until his retirement. Thank you for all the great memories and friendship. RIP Kevin J. "Hand Salute"- thank you for serving our great country.

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Montana Dolly uploaded photo(s)

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Kevin your lap is where Montana sat the first time she ever was on an engine , blowing the horn. You always supported her when she sold candy bars for school and when she was in high school Rodeo. Thank you for these cherished memories.

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Amy Koester uploaded photo(s)

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

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Kevin it was my honor to have worked with you. So many memories, from engineer school and thought out our career together.You always had a smile on your face and light up the room when you walked in. My prayers go out to Karen and your family .My you take comfort in knowing that someone special will never be forgotten. ❤️

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Vincent Zappy posted a condolence

Monday, April 10, 2023

Kevin! Too many great memories to count... Weekend football or hockey games... Kevin, DJ, Paul, Bob, Mike, Steve, Mark, Eddy, me, and whoever we could get to join us. Almost daily fights on the bus; you and me, you and Mike, Mike and I Walking home from Church School, after Msgr Foley lit us all up for one thing or another. The all-too-rare time we ran into each other and caught up over a beer. Great guy gone too soon.

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Paul Machelor posted a condolence

Saturday, April 8, 2023

Kev J. You were a great friend growing up playing soccer at Fort Niagara. I remember riding bikes home down Main Street in Youngstown juggling our soccer balls as we rode. You turned left on Church Street and I kept going to turn left on Swain. We were a great gang of fun loving kids. I hope to see you in the hereafter for more awesome times.

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Larry and Barbara (La Scala) Lodl planted a tree in memory of Kevin Mahoney

Saturday, April 8, 2023

You will be missed greatly by all your family and friends. Our deepest sympathy. Rest in peace Kevin Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree

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Jean hachee posted a condolence

Saturday, April 8, 2023

Karen to you and your family robert and myself wish to express our condolences he was a great man also a great friend he will be sadly missed.

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Michelle and Tom Sharer posted a condolence

Saturday, April 8, 2023

No big surprise…Kevin started our first baby, Ryan’s wardrobe with the first Buffalo Bills apparel. He/we are Buffalo Bills Mafia now. I’m sure he will be greatly missed. He was a kind and gentle man.

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Marie Chiarenza posted a condolence

Saturday, April 8, 2023

Karen I am so sorry for your loss. Kevin’s life was way to short. My condolences to all of your family.

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Chris Morrow posted a condolence

Friday, April 7, 2023

KevinJ and I grew up together at Lew-Port, migrating from football to soccer so we could play with our gang of friends. KevinJ was a loyal friend and great teammate. Together, we created a non-sensical phrase with hand gestures that we shared as a greeting through high school and which has made me smile ever since. To you, KevinJ - eatin’, bootin’, weedin’, dudein’, knobbin’……

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Patrick Jensen posted a condolence

Friday, April 7, 2023

So sorry to hear of Kevin's passing. He was a coworker and mentor at CSX. He helped me a lot learning how to be a railroader. Rest in peace friend, Semper Fidelis.

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Jenn Sharkey posted a condolence

Friday, April 7, 2023

So sorry for your loss. He was a great man who was funny and an amazing engineer whom I worked with in my early career. Prayers to all of the family.

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James Kane posted a condolence

Friday, April 7, 2023

Worked with Kevin at the Niagara Falls railroad yard. Kevin was always pleasant and even keeled, was always pleasant to be around. Not only did he do his job, without complaining, he would be there to help out when asked. Help pull me out of a bind, when a young yardmaster forgot about 3 auto parts . Kevin was one of a kind.

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Joshua kilmer posted a condolence

Thursday, April 6, 2023

Prayers Karen and the children on your loss . I’m just next door if u need anything

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Mary Biamonte posted a condolence

Thursday, April 6, 2023

I am so sorry to hear of Kevin’s passing. I have many memories of the “little brother” in the Mahoney house. Fly with the angels Kevin. Have fun with your sisters, Mom and Dad.

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Cheryl Morningstar posted a condolence

Thursday, April 6, 2023

So sorry to hear of Kevin's passing. Please accept our since condolences. We had a lot of nice visits with him and his family when we visited with Michele.

A Memorial Tree was planted for Kevin Mahoney

Thursday, April 6, 2023

We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Hardison Funeral Home - Lewiston Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree

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The family of Kevin J. Mahoney uploaded a photo

Thursday, April 6, 2023

Kevin J. Mahoney

1961 - 2023

Plant a tree in memory of Kevin

In Loving Memory

Kevin Mahoney

1961 - 2023

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