Richard J. Mahoney

Richard J. Mahoney, 79, of 29 Havelock Road, Worcester, and formerly of Gardner until 1992, died peacefully Thursday, July 28, 2011 in his residence surrounded by family following a long illness.
Richard was born in Gardner on October 28, 1931, the son of the late Michael J. and Margaret (Whipple) Mahoney.
He was most recently employed at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester as part of the Special Police Officers of Worcester, from 1974 to 2008. He was previously employed by the City of Gardner as a Firefighter, retiring as Captain in 1970. Richard was also a part time driving instructor for Paul's Driving School of Gardner from 1965 through 1972.
Richard graduated from Gardner High School, Gardner with the Class of 1951, and later attended several firefighter courses.
Richard was a United States Korean War Army Veteran, and received the Korean Service Medal with One Bronze Service Star, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge PAR 6 SO 166 HQ 35 INF REGT 20NOV53, the Presidential Unit Citation (ROK) DAGO 24 54.
He was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Gardner.
Richard's passions were his cars and fishing. He enjoyed woodworking, watching Barney Miller, the Weather Channel and the History Channel on television and going to Foxwoods. He loved to travel, especially to Cape Cod and Florida. He was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and basketball. He most enjoyed spending time with his family.
Richard leaves three sons, Dennis R. Mahoney of Gardner, Patrick J. Mahoney of Cortona, Italy and Mark A. Mahoney of Gardner; three daughters, Maureen L. Richard and her husband Thomas of Gardner, Jane C. McDonald and her husband Brendan of Gardner and Kerstin A. Lashua and her husband Peter of Westminster; his significant other Evelyn T. O'Brien of Worcester and her two sons, Bernard A. O'Brien of Worcester and Brendan M. O'Brien of Boston; one brother, Michael J. Mahoney of Groton, CT; seven grandchildren, Tyler J. Richard, Ryan E. Richard, Emily R. Mahoney, Sawyer L. Mahoney, Brayden P. McDonald, Brooklyn E. McDonald and Chelsea A. Lashua; one great grandchild, Landon A. Richard; two nieces and three nephews. He also leaves his former wife, Martha (Safstrom) Mahoney.
Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, August 2nd from the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner with a Mass at 11:00 a.m. in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 166 Cross Street, Gardner. Burial will be in the MA Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon.
Calling hours in the funeral home are Monday, August 1st from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Heywood Hospital, Transitional Care Center, 250 Green Street, Gardner, MA 01440 or UMASS Memorial Hospice, 650 Lincoln Street, Worcester, MA 01605.

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