Francis Mahoney

Francis Mahoney 1927 - 2008 LENOX Francis H. Mahoney, 80, of Hubbard Street died Tuesday, April 29, 2008, at Springside of Pittsfield. Born on Nov. 20, 1927 in Brooklyn, N.Y., son of Walter and Lillian Crawley Mahoney, he was a 1945 graduate of Brooklyn Preparatory School. He earned his bachelor of arts degree in English from Brown University in 1950, and, in later years, received his master of education degree from the former North Adams State College. Mr. Mahoney served in the Army during the Korean War from 1950 - 52 and later in the Army Reserves until 1956. A standout football and basketball player for Brown University, he also played one year for the Boston Celtics in the early 1950's and later for the semi-professional Lenox Merchants. He also had coached basketball for Berkshire Community College and the former Stockbridge School. Mr. Mahoney worked as an electrician for W.T.Lahart & Sons Electricians of Lenox for many years. He also had taught English at Berkshire Community College at their original Second Street campus and at Monument Mountain Regional High School. He had also worked for General Motors in New York City. He was a communicant of St. Ann's Church. He was a member of the Irish American Club of Berkshire County and the NBA Players Association. Mr. Mahoney and his wife, the former Joan H. Lahart, were pictured in artist Norman Rockwell's famous painting "The Marriage License". They were married in St. Ann's Church on May 21, 1955. Besides his wife, of Lenox, he leaves two daughters, Colleen A. MacDonald of Pittsfield and Kelly J. Nicotra of Lenox; two sons, Michael F. "Mickey" Mahoney of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and Terence J. Mahoney of Lenox, and eight grandchildren. He was predeceased by his granddaughter, Kaley Rose Nicotra. FUNERAL NOTICE: A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Francis H. Mahoney will be celebrated Friday, May 2, 2008 at 11 a.m. in St. Ann's Church by the Rev. Christopher J. Waitekus, pastor. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in St. Ann's Cemetery.There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ronald McDonald House of Boston in Care of ROCHE FUNERAL HOME, 120 Main Street, Lenox, MA. 01240. He is also survived by grandchildren, Kelly Bellefontaine and husband, Rick, Katie MacDonald, Claire and Ann Mahoney, Bridey, Nicholas, Kelly Rose, and Zachary Nicotra and great-granddaughter, Brenna Bellefontaine; sons-in-law, Jack MacDonald and Nicholas Nicotra, and daughter-in-law, Rebecca Mahoney. View Memorials/Send Condolences @ www.rochefuneralhome.com