It is with great sadness that our dear father, grandfather, and friend, Harry B. Mahoney, departed this life on Saturday, August 22, 2020.
Harry was born May 14, 1932 to the late James Mahoney and Margaret Thurber Mahoney in Williamsport, Pennsylvania and lived most of his life in Tucker and Randolph counties, WV.
He was a graduate of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut where he received a master’s degree in Forestry.
Upon his graduation, he served two years in the US Army before beginning his career with the United States Forest Service. His work was concentrated on the Monongahela National Forest and specifically the Cheat Ranger District in Parsons, where he served as ranger. His love for the great outdoors was demonstrated with his work while serving as coordinator of the Highland Scenic Highway and his role in the development of the Otter Creek Wilderness Area.
Harry was passionate about nature and its surroundings. He was an avid spelunker and bat enthusiast. In 1963, he discovered and named “My Cave” in Pocahontas County. In addition, he enjoyed skiing, hiking, rafting, backpacking, and camping with his family. He was very knowledgeable because of his love for books and reading and served as a member of the Friends of the Library for many years.
He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose purpose in life was his family. He is survived by his loving children; a daughter, Tina Hinrichs and husband Bryan of Elkins; two sons, Jay Mahoney and companion Areida Mendoza of Fairmont; Jon Mahoney and wife Cathy of Belington; four grandchildren, Coburn Mahoney of Boone, NC, Marcie Mahoney of Zionville, NC, Kurtis Mahoney of Belington, and Katelyn Mahoney of Wilmington, NC; and nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife Lois, two sisters-in-law, Maxine Alderman and Stella Hess; and brother-in-law, Elmo Alderman.
Harry Mahoney was known to be a great man to his family and friends and will always be remembered in that way.
Harry’s request for cremation was honored and committal will be private with Pastors Tom and Dalene Coffman (niece and husband), of Jumping Branch, WV. The family suggests that expressions of sympathy be in the form of contributions to the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area, PO Box 1206, Elkins, WV 26241 or appalachianforestnha.org. The Lohr & Barb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Harry Bruce Mahoney. We encourage our communities to support one another through leaving memories and condolences at the Lohr & Barb Funeral Home website; www.lohrbarbfuneralhome.com.
