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JOHN MAHAFFY Obituary
John W. Mahaffy
Dec. 17, 1934 - Oct. 25, 2012
Passed away in Burlingame on October 25, 2012.
Dearly beloved husband of Nan Mahaffy. Devoted father of Dr. Sara Naureckas (Dr. Edward), Dr. Susan Hallman (Hugh), and Gregory Mahaffy. Cherished grandfather of Caitlin, Patrick, Eli, Louis, Marcus and Maureen.
A life long resident of the Bay Area, John spent his entire career in high school education as a math teacher and administrator at Aragon High School, then as SMUHSD finance director. He was a scorekeeper/timer for
Cal Berkeley football and mens/womens basketball for 50 years. John was active in the Lions Club, Burlingame Rotary Club, SIR, and as a tour guide at Filoli.
Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service at a later date at the First Presbyterian Church of Burlingame.
In lieu of flowers, donations
to Mills-Peninsula Foundation www.mills-peninsula.org or First Presbyterian Church of Burlingame preferred.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JOHN MAHAFFY
John Anthony Cameron Patton III
September 20, 2023
So sad to hear of Mr. Mahaffy's passing.
Funny story.....It was my first year at Aragon High School. My first week I was sent to the principal's office. I believe that Mr. Mahaffy was VP at that time. He walked into the office and I was sitting there. He looked at me and right away said, "Mr. Patton?" My eyes got really big. I was shocked that he knew who I was. I asked him "How do you know who I am?" He replied, "Are you kidding me? You look exactly like your brothers." Good, bad, or indifferent, I knew that I was going to be on a tight leash.
Thank you so much Mr. Mahaffy for always keeping me in check. It is because of you, and the other teachers and staff at Aragon High School that kept me away from drugs, and out of trouble. We do not realize it at the time but, our educators are our parents away from home, and they are the ones who raised us for those 4 very, very important years. I hope you forgave me for all the trouble I caused you. Much love to you sir. Rest well...
Ron Rosen - Aragon '66
November 15, 2012
John Mahaffy was one of the best teachers I ever had. I think of him often for so many things. I was glad to be able to see him inducted into the Aragon Hall of Fame at Aragon's 50th Anniversary last fall and to hear some of the early history of Aragon that we students really didn't know. A truly unique and wonderful man.
Rita LeBlanc-Loureiro
November 15, 2012
Never had Mr. Mahaffey as a teacher, but had many talks with him. At the Aragon 50th we talked a lot about how he remembered my enthusiasm and my great personality. I think he wanted to say he remembered my big mouth. Haha! Such a distinguished man who adored his wife and children. I will treasure his positive attitude and caring heart. Bless his family. XO. Rita LeBlanc Loureiro Aragon Class of 1972!
Cam Pope
November 15, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Mahaffy's passsing. He worked very hard to get me through Algebra 1 back in 1964. I was thinking of his just recently because my grandaughter is having the same problem only she is learning it in 7th grade instead of 9th!! Condolances to your family. He was a great teacher!!!!
Mike Giacomino
November 7, 2012
Tonight, I was going through an old keepsake box and came across a letter Mr. Mahaffy wrote to me in 1986 an hour after informing me at Aragon of my mother's death in a car accident. In the letter, he was kind, supportive, sad, and, most importantly, empathetic, as he explained receiving the same news when he was a Senior at Burlingame High. It's a special letter that I've kept all these years but finding it again just now inspired me to try and contact Mr. Mahaffy to thank him for his support. Sadly, my search yielded me this news of his passing. I'll sign off with his own words written to me 26 years ago: "Cry together, hurt together, and one day again you will laugh together".
God Bless the Mahaffy family.
Sincerely,
Mike Giacomino
AHS 1987
Ps. If you'd like a copy of this beautiful letter, email me anytime. [email protected]
Darrah Coddington
November 1, 2012
Mr Mahaffy believed in me more than I did myself back in my early 20's when I worked for him at SMUHSD.
He was a truly good man. My thoughts & prayers go out to his family.
Garrett Goulet
October 31, 2012
On behalf of my brother Geoff (Class of 1968), Paula (Class of 1975) and yours truly, my condolences to the Mahaffy family. R.I.P. John.
Larry Teshara
October 30, 2012
Nan and family:
So sorry to here of your loss. John was a good mentor and friend. Please advise us of upcoming arrangements. We would hope to join you at that time.
Ardith Willner
October 30, 2012
I remember when you two were married! I was in the Class of Mills '61, and your love and happiness shone like a beacon to all of us.
I am so sorry John is gone, but so very happy you had so many loving and wonderful years together.
My heart is with you all.
Namaste,
Ardith (Vignati) Willner
Ardith Willner
October 30, 2012
I remember, so fondly, when you two were married.....I was in the class of Mills'61, and your wonderful love shone like a beacon to all your students. I am so sorry John is gone, and so very glad you have had so many loving and happy years.
My heart is with you all.
Namaste,
Ardith (Vignati) Willner
Julie DeVere
October 29, 2012
I will truly miss our Tuesday morning visits here at Filoli.
alyce glass
October 29, 2012
To the Mahaffy Family,
Sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Mahaffy ...he was a great presence during my years at Aragon High School. I graduated in 1981...your in my thoughts and prayers!!! Alyce Glass Claiborne
Mike Murphy
October 29, 2012
I remember him well. Peace to his family, a great man.
~Class of '75~
Lisa & Neal Rosen
October 28, 2012
John was a cherished friend and neighbor and will be terribly missed
Nancy Segbarth
October 28, 2012
Getting to John at Filoli will always be a good memory. He was kindly, helpful to everyone, and a true gentleman in every sense of the word. I will hold Nan and his family in my prayers.
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