Mahoney, John Joseph, formerly of Commack, NY and Homosassa Springs, Fl, passed away on Sunday, September 18, 2011 in Severna Park, MD at the age of 79 after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. John was born in Queens, NY on November 25th 1931 to John and Ellen Mahoney. He graduated from Chaminade High School and after serving in the United States Coast Guard, graduated from Iona College in 1954 and received a Masters degree from Queens College. John married Monica Christenson in 1956 and had four children. They settled in Commack, NY where John became a teacher and then a principal in the Harborfields School District. Upon his retirement in 1987, John enjoyed working as a National Park Ranger at Fire Island Lighthouse and Seashore. John and Monica moved to Florida in 1992 where John became a Master Gardener. They enjoyed their years in Florida making new friends, reconnecting with old ones and hosting visits from the children and grandchildren. Monica predeceased John in death in 2006. John is survived by his daughter Kathleen Nelson of Severna Park, MD, sons Shawn of Upper Montclair, NJ, William of Hickory, NJ, James of Poughquag, NY and his sister Eileen Hoban of Port Washington, NY, and nine grandchildren. Calling hours will be on Tuesday, September 20th from 2-5PM and 7-9PM at Nolan & Taylor-Howe Funeral Home in Northport, NY. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, September 22nd at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church in Centerport, NY at 11:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.