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JAMES MAHONEY Obituary

MAHONEY--Dr. James. It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. James Mahoney at age 62 on April 27, 2020. He was a stellar internist, pulmonologist, and critical care intensivist who served the Central Brooklyn community at the University Hospital of Brooklyn at SUNY Downstate and at Kings County Hospital since 1982. His expertise in lung diseases and critical care positioned him as one of the most valuable physicians in our Department of Medicine. He valiantly fought against the COVID-19 pandemic to save patients in both hospitals since March 14, 2020; he took no day off. He was a master resource for faculty, fellows, residents, students, nurses, ancillary staff, and patients. Everyone is in deep sorrow after learning about this untenable loss in the middle of the fight against the pandemic. Dr. Mahoney is an alumnus of SUNY Downstate's class of 1986 College of Medicine. He subsequently joined the Internal Medicine Residency Training Program, completing it in 1989 and was selected as one of the best residents to serve as Chief Resident from 1989-1990. Following that appointment, Dr. Mahoney joined the Pulmonary/Critical Care Fellowship, graduating in 1993. He then joined the faculty of the Department of Medicine as Assistant Professor of Medicine and has since been a constant and reliable provider of primary care, pulmonary medicine, and critical care services to the community. He won numerous awards, including the 'Teacher of the Year' award. His devastated and saddened trainees wrote, "I will always remember his warm smile, regardless of what hour of the day it was, or how complicated our patients may have been. He truly was the epitome of a compassionate physician and set an example for us all. I cannot imagine our hospitals without him, and those of us who were lucky enough to work with him will forever feel his absence." Dr. Mahoney is the middle child of Leila Mahoney (preceded in death) and Oscar Mahoney (age 89). He was the middle child of his five siblings, who lovingly called him Charlie, a nickname that was given to him in childhood by a family friend. He is survived by his brothers, Dr. Melvin Mahoney (Mildred Llanetta) and Ronald Mahoney, and his sisters, Rutha "Sissy" Mahoney and Saundra "Chick" Chisolm (Douglas Chisolm). He was the constant storyteller, the jokester, the protector, and the voice of calm in difficult times. Never was there ever a more protective nor prouder "Papa" as his three children, with Lisa Johnson, affectionately calling him that, Jamie Mahoney (Actor and Music Entertainer), Stephanie Mahoney (Law Student at Howard), and Ryan Mahoney (Medical Student at Rutgers). He loved all three of them deeply and unconditionally and would do anything for them. He worked tirelessly to provide them with the very best in life. His family was everything, including the extended family and his lovely girlfriend and life partner, Dawn Havens, who was always by his side. Charlie was also a man of great faith, and everything he did exemplified that. He had a heart of gold and did not know how to say no to anyone. Even patients who approached him and asked for a donation to their various fundraising events, he Never said No. Everyone had access to him, especially his patients. He was also very supportive of his house-staff and fellows, and he had a nickname for each one. He had a lot of advice to give, whether or not you were ready for it. One of the more memorable sayings that he offered each trainee who worked with him over the years was, "Whenever putting a central line into a patient, don't you ever let go of the guidewire." Everyone who interacted with him has fond memories. What made Charlie happy? Boat cruises And Casinos!!! He looked forward with great anticipation each year to his family cruise. He loved cruising so much, that there was a sign in his private practice office that read, "Attention All Patients: No discussions about cruises while seeing the doctor unless medically related?" Whenever he spent too much time with a patient, his staff knew that the topic of conversation had turned to cruises. They would then politely knock on the door as a gentle reminder to move on to the next patient. Charlie will always be remembered by his kindness, professional acumen/attitude, calm demeanor, and dedication to his family and patients. He is indeed the embodiment of 'Humanism in Medicine' in its finest form.

Published by New York Times on May 10, 2020.
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Memories and Condolences
for JAMES MAHONEY

Not sure what to say?





I am researching some heroes and leaders for Healing Breaths and came across the late Dr. James Mahoney. Rest in Power!

Alicia

September 30, 2021

My name is Jeffrey Watson and I was a Phlebotomist and then an IV Technician @ Kongs County Hospital Center from 1989-1995 and had the pleasure of drawing blood & putting in IVs for DR. Mahoney & his brother during those years. He was a pleasant doctor and man and I would like to extend my deepest condolences and prayers to his family and may he Rest in Power!!!

Jeffrey Watson

Coworker

May 26, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Pauline Lyons

May 25, 2020

Charlie Mahoney was a hardworking and compassionate physician, encompassing the entire ER where he worked when I interacted with him as a resident. He seemed to enjoy it as much as being on a cruise. Rest in peace. My prayers for the family.

Abeera Mansur

Coworker

May 25, 2020

I just want to say to his family after hearing the story about your dad... Bless you all I really just so sorry he was a hero.... God bless you all and God bless the soul of your dad ... Who now is an angel in heaven...

Allan Moss

Friend

May 25, 2020

I just want to say to his family after hearing the story about your dad... Bless you all I really just so sorry he was a hero.... God bless you all and God bless the soul of your dad ... Who now is an angel in heaven...

Allan Moss

Friend

May 25, 2020

I didn't know Dr. Mayhoney but he shares my hue and I care.
I want to send my condolences to his colleagues and family.
I want to say to his family, even knowing the risks of contracting COVID 19, YOU ALL STILL WERE SELFLESS ENOUGH to lend your loved one to serve humanity.
He worked his CALLING to the end.
There is a difference between a career and a CALLING.
He didn't view this as a career.
He went in head first into battle KNOWING this could be the end result and did it HONORABLY.

Marshata Caradine

Acquaintance

May 25, 2020

E was my doctor for 31 years. I am going to truly miss him. We joked and laughed as old friends. He was not only my doctor he was my friend.

Camille I Abrams

Friend

May 23, 2020

Dr. Mahoney and I worked on the same unit and he was also my pulmonologist. I will miss him dearly. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family.

Belinda

Coworker

May 22, 2020

Rhonda Valentine

Friend

May 21, 2020

My heartfelt condolences to the entire family. Sending healing light as you remember and honour Dr. Mahoneys memory.

Catherine

Acquaintance

May 20, 2020

My heartfelt condolences to the entire family. Sending healing light as you remember and honour Dr. Mahoneys memory.

Catherine

Acquaintance

May 20, 2020

Audrey Killings

May 20, 2020

I knee Charlie and his family since 7th grade. Great man, great family and friend. I played high school baseball with him and worked with him at Lums restaurant on Long Island. Many great memories and laughs. I am awe of his accomplishments in the medical field but not surprised. My love and prayers to the Mahoney and Chisolm families. Rest easy Charlie- job well done!

Tony Adamo

Friend

May 20, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Audrey Killings

Acquaintance

May 20, 2020

on the early 90s I was diagnosed with a heart condition and could not breathe my senior yr of high school. But God send an angle on earth. Dr James Mahoney to help me. He was kinda heart and treated me like I was his flesh and blood. I remember spending 6 weeks to clear up an infection around my heart. He bought me a cake. Would let me sit in his office and take me on his rounds because I sure thought I was one of the doctors. He was an angel to everyone. May God comfort his family at this time. After I had surgery in 92 with Dr Anderson At down state medical . I was always trying to find Dr Mahoney my guardian angel.

Caroline Townsend

Acquaintance

May 18, 2020

my name is Caroline Townsend I was a patient my senior yr of High School at Erasmus Hall in Brooklyn 1992. Dr Mahoney took care of me when I was diagnosed with a heart condition and could hardly breathe. He would let sit in his office and do rounds with him at the time of my illness . I can remember him running into the hospital one night while I was crashing. He was always careful and was just open, God gained another great angel. I was always trying to find him to let him know I was still alive. May God comfort his family at this time. He was my hospital father

Caroline Townsend

Acquaintance

May 18, 2020

my name is Caroline Townsend I was a patient my senior yr of High School at Erasmus Hall in Brooklyn 1992. Dr Mahoney took care of me when I was diagnosed with a heart condition and could hardly breathe. He would let sit in his office and do rounds with him at the time of my illness . I can remember him running into the hospital one night while I was crashing. He was always careful and was just open, God gained another great angel. I was always trying to find him to let him know I was still alive. May God comfort his family at this time. He was my hospital father

Caroline Townsend

Family

May 18, 2020

my name is Caroline Townsend I was a patient my senior yr of High School at Erasmus Hall in Brooklyn 1992. Dr Mahoney took care of me when I was diagnosed with a heart condition and could hardly breathe. He would let sit in his office and do rounds with him at the time of my illness . I can remember him running into the hospital one night while I was crashing. He was always careful and was just open, God gained another great angel. I was always trying to find him to let him know I was still alive. May God comfort his family at this time.

Caroline Townsend

Acquaintance

May 18, 2020

my name is Caroline Townsend I was a patient my senior yr of High School at Erasmus Hall in Brooklyn 1992. Dr Mahoney took care of me when I was diagnosed with a heart condition and could hardly breathe. He would let sit in his office and do rounds with him at the time of my illness . I can remember him running into the hospital one night while I was crashing. He was always careful and was just open, God gained another great angel. I was always trying to find him to let him know I was still alive. May God comfort his family at this time.

Caroline Townsend

Acquaintance

May 18, 2020

Edward Toney

Friend

May 13, 2020

Rest in peace..thanks for your service and dedication..you sure will be missed!!

Alba Correa

Acquaintance

May 13, 2020

Rest in peace..thanks for your service and dedication..you sure will be missed!!

Alba Correa

May 13, 2020

Rip James thank u enjoy heaven

James

Acquaintance

May 12, 2020

I am so sad that someone whos profession was saving lives lost his life doing just that. He sounded like an amazing man. It is our great loss.

Sheila Hoover

Coworker

May 12, 2020

I never met nor had any contact with Cousin James. However, having been a schoolmate, and playmate of his Father, Cousin Oscar Mahoney back in the late 1930s and early 40s; it's very easy for me to understand and applaud what it was that propelled him to become the person so eloquently described and applauded in his Obituary. Without question, it was the very same blessed upbringing that his Father and Uncle Herbert received from their parents and grandparents.

Ozell (Retired)

Family

May 12, 2020

Our condolences to the entire Mahoney family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Cathy Homola

May 11, 2020

Always had a kind word to say and a beautiful smile

Tanya Thomas

Coworker

May 11, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Shirley

Coworker

May 11, 2020

To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord

Gilian

May 11, 2020

Dr. James Mahoney was the best PC. He was also my Pulmonologist. He LISTENED to me. He didnt exercise might when I sat in his office with my list of concerns and questions. I would like the world to know that he LISTENED and that was what made him a stellar doctor coupled with his pleasant personality and clean attire. I miss him. My condolences to his family, staff and colleagues. R.I.P. Dr. Mahoney

Grace Asphall

Grand Parent

May 11, 2020

Deepest Condolences for your loss, he will be part of us at Downstate Medical Center with all the gift he shared. May your memories give you comfort in your time of sorrow!

Jemma Hanson

Coworker

May 10, 2020

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Sonia

Friend

May 10, 2020

Deloris McQueen

May 10, 2020

Rest in peace Dr. Mahoney. You will always be in my heart as an amazing mentor.

Patricia MD

Coworker

May 10, 2020

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