Obituary of Joseph Robert Mahoney

MAHONEY Joseph Robert of Ridgefield Park, born on the 4th of July and answered the final bell on March 23, 2016. Beloved husband of Carol (nee Bechtel) for 56 years & proud father of Michele Hubert (Brian), Maureen Anderson (David) & Michael Mahoney (Robyn). Loving grandfather of Casey, Meghan & Shannon H, Joshua A. & Curran Southwick (JW), Kieran, Aidan & Rowan M. Great-grandpa of Roxy, Katie & Alex. He is also survived by his loving sister Ronnie. His sister Janice predeceased him. Joe served in the Army and was a Korean War Veteran, serving 16 months in Osan, Korea in an Anti-Aircraft Unit right after the Truce. He later attended Fairleigh Dickinson University studying electrical engineering. He was a Master Bricklayer, Construction Foreman and Project Superintendent and later started his own business. He joined FedEx in 1980 where he worked for 25 years as a Real Estate Project Engineer. Joe was a life member of the Knights of Columbus in Ridgefield Park and received his 50-year pin. He was also an avid Yankee fan, and spent many years on bowling teams at Bowler City. He served as Grand Marshal of the Ridgefield Park Fourth of July Parade in 2012. Joe was a Life Member of Hook & Ladder Company # 1 in Ridgefield Park with over 58 years of active service. He served as Captain of Truck #1 for 5 years between 1965 and 1997, as well as serving as 1st and 2nd Lieutenant, Secretary of the Exempts, and Company and Department Trustee. He served as Fire Inspector, Assistant Fire Marshall and Fire Marshall as well as being a Life Member of NJ/NY State Exempt Firemen’s Association. Joe was the recipient of the Fire Department Medal of Valor and Lifesaving Award for rescuing a workman from a 105-ft radio tower. He had to climb the last 35 feet to bring down the man who was wedged in the tower supports and suffered from heat exhaustion. He pinned the employee with his arm and lowered him down to the truck aerial platform. On August 24th, 2008 Joe received an official proclamation for his 50 years of service to Ridgefield Park. An article in the Sun Bulletin noted, "at the age of 23, Joe Mahoney joined Fire Truck Company #1 in Ridgefield Park not knowing that he would spend the next 50 years saving lives and distinguishing himself as one of the village's most selfless and loyal citizens." Joe was quoted as saying, "Even though I can't do as much as I used to, I love being part of the fire department." This faithful servant was welcomed home by his Lord and by a host of people whose lives he touched with his kind and generous heart. He fought the good fight, finished the race well, and kept the faith. Family will meet at Vorhees-Ingwersen Funeral Home, 59 Main St., RP on Thursday March 31st at 10:30am A Mass celebrating his life will follow at 11:00am at Saint Francis RC Church ,Ridgefield Park. Intermnet Fairview Cemetery. Visitation at Vorhees Ingwersen Funeral Home Wednesday, March 30th from 4-8 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ridgefield Park Fire Dept. at 50 Main St., RP or Tomorrows Children's Fund,30 Prospect Avenue, Hackensack, NJ 07602.Vorheesingwersen.com