James Paul Mahoney

James Paul Mahoney - “Moe” or “Lefty”

Of Pittsburgh, PA, age 87, passed away on August 28, 2025, at the beach house in Emerald Isle, NC.

Devoted husband of Annette (Dedig) Mahoney for 59 years.

Father to Dana (James Hickey) Mahoney, Sean (Colleen)Mahoney, and Melissa (Shawn Balent) Mahoney. Grandfather to Matthew Alward, Amanda (Jake Ridings) Alward, Tyler (Cynthia) Alward, Sean (Lennea) Mahoney II, Farrah Mahoney, and Jaxson Mahoney. Great Grandfather to Knox Ridings, Chase Ridings, James Ridings, Audrey Alward, and Rynlee Alward.

Survived by his siblings Raymond (Janet) Mahoney, Blair (Donna) Mahoney, Rosemary (Jack Brooks) Mahoney, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceded in death by his siblings William (surviving spouse Mary Ellen) Mahoney, Arlene (Dave Leone) Mahoney, Edward Unger, John (surviving spouse Cathy) Cartman.

Moe enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as a minor before finishing high school. He served four years with two tours in Korea, and was honorably discharged from the 3dMarine Division in 1959. He started work as a mechanic at aPittsburgh auto shop in the Oakland area. He acquired his diploma at night school from Schenley High School. In 1963, he met the love of his life, Annette, as they were both apart of the AMACATH club in Carrick. They were married on August 27, 1966.

In 1974, Moe became a firefighter for the City of Pittsburgh. He spent most of his career at Engine Company #4 on Forbes Avenue in the Hill District. He was an active trustee member on the executive board. He co-founded the Pittsburgh Firefighter’s Honor Guard in 1991, and led the honor guard by sword in parades and ceremonies all over the city. He reluctantly retired in September 2002. He continued his service with the Pittsburgh Veteran Firefighter’s Association as a trustee member from 2002 until 2025.

Moe was a proud Irish Catholic and gave his all for his faith, family, friends, and community. He made everyone around him laugh, known for his one-liners and quick comebacks. He always took his family to the beach in Emerald Isle, NC where he requested he be there this year no matter what. His family is proud of his lifetime achievements and hopes this world understands it has lost one of the best. He will be greatly missed and his legacy has continued with military and civil service in later generations.

Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, September 4, 2025 from 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm at WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE (412-563-2800) 1650 Greentree Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15220. Mass will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025 at 1:00 pm in SS Simon and Jude Church of St. Raphael the Archangel Parish 1607 Greentree Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15220 and burial to follow at 2:30 pm in The National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville, PA 15017

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Pittsburgh Veteran Firefighters Memorial Fund in memory of Moe.

https://www.pittsburghveteranfirefighters.org/donate-online/

www.slaterfuneral.com