Robert Gene Mahorney

Beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend, Robert (Bob) Gene Mahorney, 87, passed away December 23, 2023, at his home in St. Helena, CA, after a long illness.

Bob was born in Anadarko, OK, June 26, 1936, to Mell C. and Alice M. Mahorney, and his family moved to California in 1942, living in various towns throughout Northern California before settling in Maxwell, CA, where he was a top athlete, excelling in football and baseball, graduating from Maxwell High School in 1954.

Joining the United States Air Force in 1957, he was Stationed in Japan, New York, and North Dakota, where he distinguished himself as a radar expert.

He married the former Kaye Rogers of Williams, CA, in Sparks, NV, on September 29, 1959. In 1960, Bob and Kaye were blessed with their first of four children, Robert Kent Mahorney. After Leaving the Air Force, Bob graduated from Chico State College with a Degree in Civil Engineering, and he and Kaye embarked on what was to be a 64 year journey together.

Bob quickly established himself as an engineer, working on several projects, including the high profile San Mateo Bridge. As Bob and Kaye's family grew to include daughter Lori, son Michael Lowell, and another daughter Shannon, so did Bob's reputation as a top-notch engineer.

His more than 40 year career saw him work as an associate civil engineer for the City of Pleasant Hill, an engineer with the John Carollo organization of Lafayette, before he was named Public Works Director for St. Helena in 1971. In St. Helena, he later served as City Engineer, as a member of the City Planning Commission, and as an elected member of the St. Helena City Council, where he served with distinction, helping balance needed growth while maintaining St. Helena's small-town feel.

Bob eventually left Municipal Government for the private sector, culminating with the establishment of Bob Mahorney and Associates in St. Helena, where he was proud to have his son, Robert Kent, work with him as a surveyor. During his time as an engineer in St. Helena, it would be difficult to find a winery, hotel, or any other major project that he was not involved in some manner, even being sought out for his expertise long after he officially retired.

Bob never failed to exercise his mind, completing the daily crossword puzzle for well over 40 years, and was an avid reader. An athlete his entire life, he was well known for his golfing skills, once hitting 2 hole-in-ones in a single month, and an incredibly strong pitching arm (both overhand and underhand). A highlight of his golfing life was a trip to St. Andrews in Scotland, where he played a round on that fabled, historic course, and of course, he played extremely well.

He was a fan of all the bay area teams, especially the A's, and remained loyal through their ups and downs over the years. He passed his love of sports and the outdoors to all his children. His closest friends and family also knew that he was an outstanding dancer, quite light on his feet for a big man.

Bob was a man of great dignity, integrity and purpose, extremely civic minded, always willing to help out when needed. As a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle, he always enjoyed spending time with his family, and he and Kaye always did what was needed to help any family member who needed assistance.

He is survived by his strong, loving, and supportive wife of 64 years, Kaye Rogers Mahorney of St. Helena, CA; son, Michael Lowell Mahorney (Michelle) of Clinton County, New York; and daughters, Lori Ventimiglia (Joe) of Tehama County, CA, and Shannon Mahorney (Troy Thurman) of Etna, CA. He is also survived by his brother, Melvin C. (Bill) Mahorney (Marie) of Colusa, CA; grandchildren, Max, and Casey (Tehama County), Ashley, (Siskyou County), Taylor (Dakota County, MN); great-grandchildren, Ruben, Keanu, Natalia, Andrew, Lilyana, Alex, Gabe and Tessa; and nephew, William (Bill) Mahorney (Jing) of Oakton, VA; and niece, Julie Mahorney-Saenz (Manny) of Henderson, NV.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mell C. and Alice M. Mahorney; a sister, Flora Twilley; and a son, Robert Kent Mahorney.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the St. Helena Fire Department.