Earl Mahoney

Earl A. Mahoney Jr., 80, died Sunday, March 5, 2017 at his home in Ocala, FL with his beloved wife of 63 years, Erma Price Mahoney, at his side. He is also survived by his daughters, Donna Mahoney and Vickie Ford and her husband, Michael; one granddaughter Natalie Russell and her husband, Bradley; three sisters, Betty Mahoney, Shirley Lyons, and Diane Tierney and her husband Mike; two nieces, Kelly Tierney and Glenda Wilhoite; and eight nephews, Tommy Lyons, Steve Lyons, Danny Ray Lyons, Doug Lyons, Harry Gene Lyons, Randy Lyons, Robert Perry, and Kyle Tierney. Born in Chicago, IL on May 21, 1936, he was the son of Earl A. Mahoney, Sr. and Louise Capito Mahoney. He was a long time resident of Louisville, KY until 2007 when he moved to Ocala, FL. On March 6, 1954, Earl married Erma his high school sweetheart. Earl was a fun-loving character with a passion for music and singing, painting, bowling, family gatherings, road trips, card games, pitching horse shoes, fishing, and swimming. With his sweet booming voice, Earl was known to serenade family and friends as well as people he met on his many outings, from restaurants to stores and hospitals. He was a compassionate Alcoholics Anonymous mentor to many struggling with their sobriety and always had an anecdote to share at meetings. He graduated from Ahrens Trade High School in Louisville, KY and later attended the Louisville Technical Institute graduating with an Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering in 1969. Earl had a colorful career working in diverse jobs: from being a paperboy as a youngster, a pickle pitcher, a shoe and clothing salesman, and a lineman at LG&E. After obtaining his degree, he became a Project Manager at Kentucky Rural Electric. He ended his working career at AAA as a top salesman and finally a trip and map planner. Earl knew all of the best and fastest routes across the country and gave his advice to clients on must see attractions and the best places to eat and stay. Earl was always very philosophical in his life. After retiring, the family traveled to the O'Mahoney ancestral home of Kilcrohane, Ireland, fittingly capping the visit off by kissing the Blarney Stone. He best summed up his philosophy in one of his many quotes to his granddaughter, Natalie: "When you love God and you're a Mahoney, your life is such an adventure, and I don't know why that is. I guess it's the luck of the Irish".

Earl Mahoney

May 21, 1936 - March 5, 2017