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Donald Mahoney Obituary
Rudd graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, Beckley, W.Va., in 1957, where he was inducted into the Woodrow Wilson High School Football Hall of Fame. Following high school Rudd attended one year at Columbia Prep School in Washington, D.C. Then he joined the Air Force in 1958 and served 23 years active duty and 23 years as a Civil Servant, supporting the Warfighter effort in the area of communications radar maintenance. Rudd received the Airman's Medal for Valor in 1976 when he and his sons rescued two teens from a car submerged under water.
He was preceded in death by his father, Irvin Mahoney of Beckley, W.Va.
His mother, Reva Mahoney, resides in Winston-Salem, N.C. Rudd is survived by his wife, Stella Margaret "Peggy" Phlegar Mahoney; and his sons, Gary Mahoney and his wife, Karina Melitonyan, Kirk Mahoney, and Tim Mahoney and his wife, Brenda; and his daughters, Robin Zivadinovic and her husband, Nemanja, and Melisa Chamberlain and her husband, Jon; all of whom reside in the local area. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Julian and Mackenzie Lawson, Sean, Evan and Erin Mahoney, Ariel, Emily and Julia Mahoney, and Quinton and Katie Jones; two brothers, Dennis Mahoney and his wife, Joanne of Prescott, Ariz., and Allen Mahoney and his wife, Mary of Winston-Salem, N.C. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
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Memories and Condolences
for Donald Mahoney
Sponsored by His Loving Soul Mate, Peg Mahoney.
Jay Huehn
April 25, 2012
Dear Peg and family,
It' been more than two years since Rudd's passing, but I just learned of it tonight. I am truly saddened that he has left us so soon. I've thought of him often in the years since I saw him last.
I got to know and work with Rudd when he was on the SMT at Langley in the later 70s, when I traveled with TRACALS Radar Evaluation out of Richards-Gebaur AFB MO and Scott AFB IL. I was then fortunate to work much more closely with Rudd after I separated from the USAF and went to TCD/Langley as an ITT Gilfillan Field Engineer; after which he rejoined Childs Ford and Co. after his return from Korea and retired from the Air Force. I was the one that steered him to the special Raytheon spot at TCD which he took when he retired; and shortly after, he ultimately filled the civilian AFETS position under Childs. I will always cherish having known Rudd, and will fondly remember his friendship and our good times together.
Its been years since I last saw Rudd, but last spoke to him shortly after he retired from TAC. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I know he is greatly missed.
Jim Alderdice
February 23, 2011
For a relatively brief but, perhaps, a pivitol time in my life I had the great honor and privilege of knowing TSgt Don Mahoney while I served as a young Sgt in the 1930th Comm Sq., Det 2 at King Salmon, Alaska from 1968 - 1969. He was not only my NCOIC but, I'm glad to say, a friend and mentor.
While serving with him I remember a number of conversations we had regarding faith and it was Don who first got me really thinking seriously about that topic. Those conversations would be recalled later in life as I came to eventually gain a personal testimony of the Savior and my relationship with Him.
I also remember his sense of humor and the the cribbage games that seemed to be an ongoing activity for our team there. These would typically be hosted in his room and all around him deeply appreciated this leader of men.
Again, it was an honor to know him and somewhat sad to learn that he'd "gone home". I wish that I had found him earlier to let him know just how he had influenced me.
My prayers are with the family.
October 23, 2010
Peg and Family,Reva,Allen and Denny. So sorry to learn of Rudd's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest sympathy to you. May God Bless and Comfort You. Love Pat and Margaret Mahoney
William Bullock
August 12, 2010
I was an AF Captain at our detachment in King Salmon, AK, back in 1968-69. Sgt. Mahoney was my lead NCO for our Radar Approach Control maintenance. Not only was he an extremely skilled technician in the radar maintenance area, he was the nucleus for our enlisted men and NCOs, always leading by example. It was a true honor to have known this fine man that I relied on so heavily. I have thought of Don many times over the years and how fortunate I was to have had such a person working for me. I thank Jim Alderdice, who worked with Don at KS, for supplying me with his obituary. My heart goes out to all of his family.
Ron Bolio
March 4, 2010
To the Mahoney family: I just read about your great loss. I was Rudd's roomate in Ben Gurirre, Morocco in 1962/3. He was a great man and I share your pain. I lost my wife last Sept. so I know how it is when we lose the one we love so much. Please know you all are in my prayers.
Bert Gwaltney
January 26, 2010
Peg and Family, I'm very sorry for your loss. Rudd was a special person whose wisdom and guidance led Air Force Radar and Navigational Aids technicians for many years. I can remember so many times paying attention to what he was saying about past experiences and his thoughts on how to forge ahead. He was a dedicated leader and will be missed by many.
Pam Pugh
January 19, 2010
Peg and family, I am so sorry to hear of Rudd's passing. He was an instrumental part of my life and of the AF family for many years. Our prayers are with you all!
January 19, 2010
Peg and Family,
Rudd was a very special man and will be dearly missed. Thankfully we all have special memories to keep him with us. Rudd was a great guidance in my career and a dear friend. Bless you all.
Curt Pugh
January 16, 2010
To Tim and Missy and the rest of the family, we lived across the street on Belray back in the "old days". sorry to learn of your Dad's passing.
Sincerest condolences, Kevin Hefner
Valerie (Morfin) Miller & Family
January 16, 2010
Mahoney family,
I am so sorry to hear that your husband/father/grandfather passed away. I have some fond memories of Rudd and your family. Take comfort in knowing he is at peace.
Chuck Bryson
January 16, 2010
Peg,
Rudd is a dear friend who will be missed. He and I spent a lot of time in the 80's/90's writing policy and procedures that are still in use today. Although the men and women of today's Air Force may not know Rudd's name, they follow his wisdom and guidance every day. Chuck Bryson
January 15, 2010
Peg and Family,
Terri and I are so saddened by the news of Rudd's passing. We have missed you both so very much over the years since you moved from Terrebonne Rd. Not a week passes where we have not thought or talked of you both....There certainly are people that make indelible impressions on our hearts and souls...Rudd was one of them. Our deepest sympathy to you Peg and the entire family. Please let us know if there is anything we can do in this time of need or in the future.
Love Bobby and Terri
Mike Terrell
January 15, 2010
Peg,
we met a couple of times at your house, Rudd Hired me in 1993 on the SMT team and man was I lucky. Great boss, great team and loved coming to work everyday. I have so many good memories and stories. He will be missed and remembered.
Mike Terrell
Louise Ferguson
January 15, 2010
Peggy and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Rudd was one of best customers when I worked in the Civilian Personnel Office at Langley. He always had a positive attitude and a joke to tell. He was a wonderful, wonderful person. May God bless you and your family in your time of sorrow.
Steve Stanphill
January 14, 2010
Anyone who knew Rudd was truly blessed because Rudd was so full of life—his presence always lifted everyone’s spirits. Knowing him for nearly 20 years greatly enriched my life as I know he did others.
Dear Peg & Family
May the wonderful and sweet memories of Rudd help to ease the pain. Be strong and remember that you will see him again. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Jeff Wade
January 14, 2010
Peg and Family: Rudd was my boss and friend for many years. He was a mentor to me before people starting calling it mentoring. I owe my career and current position in life to his guidance. My thoughts are with you and yours.
Anita Hensley
January 14, 2010
Peggy,
I am so sorry for your loss. Rudd was one of those people you never forget. I worked with him at the 82nd and he always had something to say that made my day. I came to your house once to have some pictures printed for my daughter and the love you and Rudd have for each other was so apparent. I have thought of him often since he retired and wondered what he was up to - it was always something. He will truly be missed.
Kevin Keller
January 14, 2010
Peg and family...I worked with/for Rudd at Langley AFB from 1994-1997 on the Radar Special Maintenance Team. He was a good boss and a better friend. I remember being at your house when he and the guys sang Under the Boardwalk and will remember with a smile all the fun everyone had when they were around him. May God bless you and your family.
Janie Carstens
January 14, 2010
Dear Peggy and Family: When I first met Rudd while working at Langley AFB, I remember thinking what a fun loving enjoyable person he was to be around. As the years have gone by, I have come to know that my first impressions were right. In the past few year, each time I saw you both at Joe & Mimma's, it brought a smile to my face. He will be missed greatly. Our thoughts are with you.
Steve Hall
January 14, 2010
Peg and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Rudd was a great boss, mentor, and friend. He enriched my life during the 25+ years I had the opportunity to know him.
January 14, 2010
Dear Peggy and Family
Sorry to hear of your loss. Rudd was a fantastic golfer as well as friend and co-worker. May Lord of all Peace shower you with His presence.
Diane and Gene Lancour
Becky Parker
January 14, 2010
Dear Peg & Family,
I worked with Rudd at Langley for more years than I can remember. I have so many good memories from those early days, and will cherish them always. Stay strong and know you are in our prayers during this difficult time. He will definitely be missed.
January 14, 2010
Peg and Family
We will always remember Rudd as a good family man, a wonderful husband and a great friend. God bless you and your family. You will be remembered in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike and Lee Broeker
Col Bill Malec
January 14, 2010
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow. I knew Rudd when I was a Major working as an Air Traffic Control officer on the DO's staff there. While controllers and maintainers don't always mix well, I looked up to and respected Rudd as the "Father of RADAR". He definitely knew his stuff and I learned alot!
Diane Schultz
January 14, 2010
Rudd was one of those guys you never forget and who can never die...he lives on in our memories, our stories, the jokes he told and we pass on to others...he was a master at telling jokes, and he made my life easier every day I worked with him. Gone but never forgotten; may you rest in peace, Rudd.
Ron Large
January 14, 2010
A Reminiscence
YES, thou art gone! and never more
Thy sunny smile shall gladden me;
But I may pass the old church door,
And pace the floor that covers thee.
May stand upon the cold, damp stone,
And think that, frozen, lies below
The lightest heart that I have known,
The kindest I shall ever know.
Yet, though I cannot see thee more,
'Tis still a comfort to have seen;
And though thy transient life is o'er,
'Tis sweet to think that thou hast been;
To think a soul so near divine,
Within a form so angel fair,
United to a heart like thine,
Has gladdened once our humble sphere.
By Anne Bronte
The Poetry Foundation
Nathan Hudson
January 14, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. I worked with Rudd at Langley for 8 years. While we didn't always see eye-to-eye, I had a great respect for the man and what he had done for the Air Force. He always took good care of us, making sure we had what we needed to do the job and kept the brass off our backs. He will be sorely missed.
Michael Artman
January 14, 2010
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen & Dave Funk
January 14, 2010
Dear Peg & Family,
Please accept our most sincere sympathy. Our thoughts are with you at this time of loss. Rudd will always be a Member of the Board singing "Under the Boardwalk". He will not be forgotten.
Fred Page
January 14, 2010
Rudd, always a friend and he will be missed by all that knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. Fred & Pat Page
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