John D. Mahaney obituary

A true statesman

Mr. John D. “Jack” Mahaney, 85, of Waterbury passed away peacefully at St. Mary’s Hospital Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, in the presence of his adoring family. He was the loving husband of Ellen (McNaney) Mahaney.

Jack, a distinguished lifelong resident of Waterbury, was born in Waterbury Feb. 18, 1929. He was a son of the late Daniel John and Marie (Lawlor) Mahaney. He was a graduate of Crosby High School Class of 1947, Fairfield University Class of 1952, and UConn School of Law Class of 1958. He began a private law practice in 1958 and later partnered with attorneys Donald J. Vitale and Robert Mellon. He subsequently founded the law firm of Mahaney, Geghan and Sullivan in Waterbury.

A true statesman, Jack was active in Waterbury politics for many years. He served as the corporation counsel for the city of Waterbury for four years and also filled his father’s seat in the Connecticut state legislature, a position his father held for 30 years. He also was appointed to a judicial position by then-Gov. Ella T. Grasso. After 37 years of service as a lawyer, politician, judge and civil servant, Jack retired in 1995. He truly enjoyed hunting, fishing, socializing with friends, spending time with his family on Cape Cod, and travelling the world with his beloved wife, Ellen. In addition, he was a devoted communicant of St. John of the Cross Church.

Besides his wife Ellen of 61 years, Jack leaves to cherish his memory two sons, attorney Daniel J. Mahaney of Middlebury and John D. Mahaney of Phoenix, Ariz.; two daughters, Beth Caldwell and her husband, Trip, of Woodbury and Meg Smith and her husband, Greg, of North Stonington. He also leaves eight grandchildren: Christopher Doyle of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; Jack Doyle and his wife, Tara, of Old Saybrook; Lauren Mahaney of Milford; Amy M. Ericchetti, C.J. Ericchetti, and Danny Ericchetti, all of North Stonington; and Johnny and Bobby Mahaney, both of Phoenix, Ariz.; his sister-in-law, Mary Jane Roosa of Waterbury; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Pfc. Daniel J. Mahaney, who was killed in action in France Nov. 11, 1944, and Robert Mahaney, who died in an accident in 1942.

A Mass of Christian burial, with the cremains present, will be held Wednesday, Dec. 31, at 10 a.m. at St. John of the Cross Church in Middlebury, followed by a luncheon at the Waterbury Country Club. Everyone is asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. Calling hours will be Tuesday, Dec. 30, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home at 430 Chase Parkway in Waterbury.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jack’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148

For more information or to send e-condolences visit www.chaseparkwaymemorial.com.