James M. Mahoney

James M. Mahoney

Worcester-James M. Mahoney, 87, of 15 Montague St., died Friday, May 28, in the Worcester Medical Center-St. Vincent Hospital, after an illness.

He leaves his wife of 56 years, Dorothea S. (Smalley) Mahoney, a son, Gregory R. Mahoney of Westboro; five daughters, Mary E. Braney and Dorothea C. Mahoney both of Spencer, Helen M. Mahoney of West Framingham, Jacquelyn F. Mushinsky of Charlton and Barbara J. Shea of Worcester, ten grandchildren and several nephews and nieces. Two sons, James M. Mahoney Jr. and John H. Mahoney predeceased him. He was born in Worcester, son of Patrick and Margaret (Ronayne) Mahoney.

Mr. Mahoney was the head librarian at Holy Cross College for 22 years, retiring in 1986 and the creator of rare books, retiring in 2000. He was an army veteran of WW II. He graduated from St. Peter's High School, Holy Cross College, Framingham State College and Columbia University. He was a member of Our Lady of the Angels Church, the Alumni Sodality of Our Lady, the Holy Cross Club of Greater Worcester, the Purple Knights, Holy Cross College presented him the In Hoc Signo award in 1997 in recognition of his loyalty and commitment and the Worcester Club Crusader of the Year in 1969. He was a 4 H Volunteer.

The funeral will be held Tuesday, June 1, from FAY BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME 9 Hammond St. with a Mass at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of the Angels Church 1222 Main St. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery. Calling hours are Sunday, May 30 and Monday, May 31, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. The Worcester County Alumni Sodality will meet Monday at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the James M. Mahoney School Book Fund c/o Spencer Savings Bank 176 Main St. Spencer, MA 01562