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Reverend Francis L. Mahoney
Reverend Francis L. Mahoney
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Francis Mahoney Obituary
Reverend Francis L. Mahoney, retired Pastor of Holy Name Church in Fall River, died Sunday, July 22, 2007, in Charlton Memorial Hospital.
Born in New Bedford, he was the son of the late Francis C. Mahoney and the late Lucy B. (Leonard) Mahoney. He was a graduate of Holy Family High School, where he was a star basketball player and enjoyed all sports. He attended Providence College before entering St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore.
Father Mahoney was ordained to the priesthood on April 2, 1960, in St. Mary Cathedral by the late Bishop James L. Connolly. He received a Master's in Education from Bridgewater State College in 1963.
Father served at St. Margaret's Parish in Buzzards Bay from 1960-1969; Immaculate Conception in Fall River from 1969-1978; and also served as co-director of the Christian Youth Organization; St. Mary's in Seekonk 1978-1987; and Holy Name in Fall River from 1987 until his retirement on June 29, 2005.
Father also served in other capacities in the diocese; two different terms as Dean of the Fall River Area; Moderator of the Catholic Women's Club; Vicar for the Clergy; Catholic Chaplain at Adams House; Chaplain at Mass Maritime Academy and its Newman Club; and the Cape Cod Boy Scouts. He also held membership on the Diocesan Personnel Board, coordinator for the Campaign for Human Development and coordinator for the annual Overseas Appeal of the American Bishops.
He is survived by two sisters, Marie Fitzgerald and her husband, Neil, of Dartmouth, Louise Whelton and her husband, Dr. James Whelton, of Wayland; niece, Mary Louise Francis-Sylvia, nephews, James Francis, James, David and Matthew Whelton; grandniece, Erin Sylvia; grandnephews, Adam Sylvia and Marcos and Santiago Whelton. He was the brother of the late Anne Francis.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass on Friday, July 27, 2007, at 11 a.m. in Holy Name Church, 709 Hanover St., Fall River. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in New Bedford. Visitation will be Thursday, from 4 to 8 p.m. in Holy Name Church, 709 Hanover St., Fall River.
Arrangements are in the care of the Waring-Sullivan Home of Memorial Tribute at Cherry Place. For tributes and directions, visit www.waring-sullivan.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jose Pimentel
March 17, 2025
Father Mahoney was a ray of light when I use to go to Holy Name as child. He was smart and wise beyond his years, and always willing to answer a question I had. You made the world a better place and that I am truly grateful. God be with you always and thank you for your service to God. Amen
Rev. Roger LeDuc
July 27, 2007
With the diocese of Fall River and the Mahoney family I celebrate the life of a wonderful priest who never wavered in his commitment to serve the people of God. Through seminary and ministry, I have always admired the dedication of this fine man of God. May he rest in peace for all his good works. We will miss the sense of his presence among us. I join in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for the respose of his soul. May God smile upon my classmate.
Rev. Roger LeDuc
July 27, 2007
With the diocese of Fall River and the Mahoney family I celebrate the life of a wonderful priest who never wavered in his commitment to serve the people of God. Through seminary and ministry, I have always admired the dedication of this fine man of God. May he rest in peace for all his good works. We will miss the sense of his presence among us. I join in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for the respose of his soul.
Linda Stevens
July 26, 2007
Father Mahoney touched many lives he was a kind person.He married my husband and I at Holy Name Church 18 years ago.I'll never forget how he made that day so special.He will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
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Pamela Greene
July 26, 2007
To the Family of Father Mahoney,
Please accept my sincerest sympathy on the loss of such a wonderful man. As a former teacher at Holy Name School I have so many fond memories of the times I shared with Father and was always so impressed with the way he interacted with our students. He brought a smile to every childs' face each afternoon when he came to school to wish them all a great day. He was always ready to high-5 the youngest and oldest students alike as they made their way toward dismissal. It was a pleasure and a honor to work with such a humble man. He will be greatly missed.
Donna Pierce
July 26, 2007
Please accept our sincerest thoughts and prayers. Fr. Mahoney married us twelve years ago this month. He shared in one of the happiest days of our lives and will always hold a special place in our hearts.
May God Bless Him.
The Pierce Family
Natalie Assad
July 25, 2007
To the family of Fr. Mahoney,
I was introduced to Fr. M when I began my fifth grade at Holy Name School in Fall River, MA. He was a spiritual man with a great sense of humor. I recall my classmates and I looking forward to that one hour a week he would relieve our teacher of religion class. May he rest in peace. God bless!
Mary Craig - Shea
July 25, 2007
Dear Marie, Louise & family: I send my deepest sympathy. Fr. Frank was my classmate @HFHS. He will be greatly missed at our 55th reunion but will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Rickie Tellier
July 25, 2007
Please except my deepest sympathies I had the honor and privilage to serve as an Alter boy under Father Mahoney during his time at St.Margarets Parrish in Buzzards Bay.
LOUISA MUSIOL - HESSELBACHER
July 25, 2007
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. I REMEMBER FR.MAHONEY WHEN I WAS A TEENAGER LIVING IN BUZZARDS BAY AND SEEING HIM AT THE TOWN BEACH GOING FOR A SWIM.HE WILL BE MISSED.
Dennis Poyant
July 25, 2007
It is with sadness that I heard of the passing of Fr. Frank. He was a caring and wonderful priest. It was a pleasure to work for him as principal of Holy Name School and he was always there for me both personally and professionally. He will be missed.
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