Steven Xavier Mooney

Finished With Engines

Steven X. Mooney died peacefully at 10: 00 am on August 26. 2023 with his beloved wife Susan Matley Mooney at his side.

Steven X. Mooney was born in Astoria, New York on January 7, 1947. Predeceased by parents Edward X. and Wilma Koles Mooney ,sister Patty and Brothers Edward and Robert. Survived by his "favorite ex-wife", Julie, his sister Carol Frawley , cousin Janet Coyle and many relatives on the east coast and Florida.

The family resided on 87th Street in Brooklyn and he attended catholic schools in Flushing and Brooklyn New York. After graduation he enrolled in the New York School of Printing.

Drawn to the religious life he entered the novitiate of the Brothers of the Poor of St. Francis taking the religious name of Brother Shannon. He left before taking final vows and began his life in the engine rooms of merchant ships. As it was the Vietnam War era his draft status was deferred due to alternative service in the US Merchant Marine: so when he faked appendicitis in Australia to get off the ship - he was immediately eligible for service in the war. After a few weeks he got a job on a Jacque Cousteau exploration and research vessel and was on his way to Antarctica. He always said that was where he first discovered weed.

Upon discharge from the voyage he returned to New York and was told that his draft number had come up...so he joined the US Marine Corps. With a background as a lead drummer in local drum corps/marching bands he was immediately placed with the 'dress marines' band (Marine Drum & Bugle Corps) stationed at 8th and I Streets in Washington DC performing for the President of the United States and many official functions.

In 1967 - when the war escalated he was ordered to Vietnam where he was part of the 4th Marines, earning the Bronze Star and Cross of Gallantry along with the "Palm" for war service...all of which he burned upon his return ( with his uniform) outside of Camp Pendleton in California.

At some point he returned to the religious life but then decided it just was not for him - so took off to explore the music of the 60's and the post war life. He married, had children and went back to sea working up through the "fo'c's'le" to eventually retiring from his career as a 2nd Engineer . He was a proud member of the Seaman's International Union (actually founded by his father Edward and others) and MEBA District 2 of Marine Engineers.

Moving to Seattle, Washington, he eventually settled in San Francisco where he worked for many years as a stationary engineer at SF General Hospital, SFO Airport and retired from the San Francisco Water Department.

He is survived by his devoted wife Susan, her father Gordon and Marilyn Matley, brother David Matley and sister Jennifer Henry.

And his Children: Hrafnhildur 'Sissy' Mooney , Joyce Mooney, Shannon (Karla) Mooney, Meghan (Bob) Lyding,Brendan X ( Kahala), Celeste Ayala Mooney and foster children David and Patricia Brenenstahl. Special 'Papa' to Calleigh Coonrod and every kid he ever met.

Grandchildren include: Dagur Magnussen Mooney, Nathaniel X .and Kaitlyn Mooney, Raymond and Shelley Urias. Agostinho X. Mooney, and Alicia Hazel Lyding.

Always so much fun, a great joke teller, lover of music, his beloved pets, Drum Corps, boxing and his San Jose Sharks. Self-appointed "Commissioner" of the football 'Picks". Always had a great sea story "this is no bullshit" to tell and a great laugh to fill a room. He will be greatly missed by all. FWE