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J. Mahoney Obituary

J. Michael Mahoney

J. Michael Mahoney, a writer and philanthropist, died February 28, 2016, at his home in Larkspur, CA.

Upon graduating from Princeton in 1951, Mike began work for the Federal Government prior to spending four years in the U.S. Air Force. Subsequent to his discharge, he began work as a journalist, first in Ohio and later in Georgia, with a two-year hiatus as a foreign correspondent in Africa.

It was during his time working as a journalist that he developed a passion for the discipline of Psychology. He spent many years dedicating his time and energy into vast amounts of research, which ultimately led to him publishing his work titled, "Schizophrenia: The Bearded Lady Disease".

Mike was a true American Patriot who had strong love and devotion to his country and greatly revered all who had served Her.

Mike was a genuine philanthropist endowing over 52 scholarships, counting 24 at UC Berkeley along with 28 other schools including Phillips Exeter Academy, University of Idaho, University of Washington, University of Miami, and Princeton. He was adamant about keeping the scholarships anonymous (never associating any with his name for he was a humble man), all of which run in perpetuity.

Mike was extremely proud and loving of his three children: J. Michael Mahoney Jr. (Lisa M. Mahoney), Melinda Mahoney Campi (John Campi), Margaretta Mahoney Miller (Bruce Miller) as well as his adoring grandchildren: Alysha Carnell, Travis Mahoney, Jack Campi, Cole Campi, and Paige Mahoney.

Services are private. For those that wish to honor Mike's memory we invite you to send a contribution to Family Service Agency of Marin, Suicide Prevention.
P.O. Box 4369
San Rafael, CA 94913
Tax ID 68-048-0736

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Mar. 8 to Mar. 13, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for J. Mahoney

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JaVan Clayton Jr

February 8, 2022

May you be in Peace.
Honoring one of your books today "Cognition and Behavior modification."

March 2, 2021

Time moves on, but memories of those special to me, like Mike are forever!

Sharon Frye

March 2, 2020

I think of Mike often and miss our chats! He was one-of-a-kind! Sharon Frye. 2020

March 23, 2019

I miss your correspondence Mike. You were the last of the Great cowboys Mike. Love Aileen Chivers

January 22, 2017

I just found out about Michael, also there wasn't any FB posts. I will miss his powerful statements he posted. I've known Mike for 16 years thru a business he frequently visited. He also came with treats for the office and a huge smile. I have all the cards he sent me when I became ill. I will treasure the necklace he gave us all one year for Christmas.

To his family: Michael touched so many people. I couldn't wait for him to come into our office because he would always tell me a story of a place he visited, and just put a warm feeling of respect and knowledge. Not only is he the smarted man I knew he was the most generous selfless amazing man.

Kathy Baldwin

January 6, 2017

I just found out we lost Michael when my Christmas card was returned. Mike was always a special person to me. I met him first in Skylark Heights when I was 21 and had first moved to California in 1979. He took me under his wing and he loaned me his vacuum cleaner. When the hillside slid he made sure I was OK. We kept contact over many years. I had a poster of him holding a huge beach ball in my apartment for the longest time until I returned it to him several years back. I am truly saddened and so sorry to hear of Michael's passing. May he rest in peace!

September 10, 2016

I knew Mike in 1972.. and for several years after....we lived in the same complex....many of us would meet almost daily at the pool after work....we became very good friends with him and had him for dinner many times....and all three children one time...he was the most amazing , gentle, smart, funny, kind and incredible person I think I have ever met. Absolutely fascinating man. He graced the world and I'm blown away learning of his generosity and caring.....but that was him..

I am grateful for having had the privledge of knowing him. Thinking of him brings a warm smile to my heart.

Rest in glorious peace.

Kathy (Grossman) Turbott
Sydney Australia

Aileen chivers

May 27, 2016

Honored to have known Mike.

Kristen

April 23, 2016

Mike was the most generous, kind, and selfless man I have ever known. I consider myself honored and privileged to have been touched by his kindness. Although I had only known him for just a few of these past years, I feel such a tremendous loss in his passing. He had such a contagious smile, always happy, always making me and everyone around him feel so genuinely cared for as if we were all welcome and a valued part of his life.... Mr. Mahoney, I will always treasure our friendship. The red abalone will be a treasured keepsake for myself and in future years, my daughter. Thank you, for even the smallest of gestures can create the fondest of memories.

Linda Rico

March 26, 2016

Mike was one of the kindest, most generous and unassuming men I have ever had the privilege of knowing! I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing. I was fortunate to have worked with him to establish 17 of the endowments he established at UC Berkeley. He honored countless young people who left this world too soon, an honor that I know the many families appreciated. In addition, he left a lasting legacy that will support countless young people obtain a degree from UC Berkeley. My deepest sympathy to his family. Rest in peace Mike, it was an honor and privilege to have know you!

Linda Rico

March 26, 2016

Mike was one of the most kind and generous person I have ever known. He had such compassion for those less fortunate and especially for those who left this earth too soon. I had the honor of working with him to set up 17 of his endowed scholarships at UC Berkeley. Through that process we became friends. I am very saddened to hear of his passing. I hope that his family can take some solace in knowing how many families he honored with his donations, and how many students he helped earn a degree from UC Berkeley. My sympathy to his family... Rest in peace Mike!

March 23, 2016

Mike's passing is a loss that will be mourned by our family and by society at large. We will miss his smiling face, boyish enthusiasm, and sincere kindness. Furthermore, his commitment to our community and to bettering the lives of young people makes his legacy truly everlasting. Mike's generosity has gone widely unacknowledged because he wanted to bring more attention to causes themselves than to himself. May we take this opportunity to honor him and his quest to improve the lives of others.

Mike is greatly loved and missed -
Komi German, and Katie & Rick Turk of San Anselmo, CA

Vid Beldavs

March 16, 2016

Mike was a treasured friend whose gift led to the republishing of Karl Menninger's landmark book "The Crime of Punishment." His memory will live on in the work of thousands of people. His sense of humor was as boundless as his generosity. The world is a better place because of Mike.

Rich Bozzio

March 13, 2016

Mike, I am saddened to read the news of your father's passing. You and Lisa are missed and thought of often in this small community of Tahoe City. Condolences, Rich and Laura Bozzio

Sharon Frye

March 13, 2016

I had the honor of knowing and working for Michael. He was a humble, kind, and amazing man. I will miss talking to him! He always made me laugh. I am truly blessed for having had him in my life and will miss him.

Amy Laird

March 10, 2016

What a remarkable, kindhearted man he was. The world is a better place for him having been here.

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