John Michael Mahoney

John Michael Mahoney 

May 29, 1947 - February 14, 2021 

At rest on February 14 at the age of 73 years. John was a proud 3rd generation Californian and native of San Francisco. He was a resident of Moraga for 35 years. 

John attended St. Ignatius High School (‘65), Santa Clara University (‘69), and USF School of Law (‘73), where he made lifelong friends and memories. John began his legal career working for the Office of the General Council at the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington D.C., where he met and married his wife, Lynda Cole. 

After five years at the SEC, John and Lynda moved to San Francisco, where John began a 24 year career in the General Counsel's Office at Bank of America. Subsequently, he worked for five years in the General Counsel’s Office at Washington Mutual and five years in the General Counsel’s Office at Charles Schwab. 

John loved his career as an attorney and was proud of the services that he provided to his clients. John was respected and admired by his colleagues for his work ethic, extensive knowledge, and attention to detail.

John was a lifelong traveler. As a young man, he sailed around the world as an Ordinary Seaman in the Merchant Marine with his good friend and classmate Rick Chiles. For their honeymoon, John and Lynda spent seven months traveling throughout Europe in their VW camper van. Throughout their marriage, John and Lynda also traveled to Greece, Italy, England, India, Germany, Canada, Alaska, Mexico, and numerous other places throughout Europe and the US.

John was happiest spending time with his family. His children participated in sports year round and he tried to never miss a game, meet, or match. John was incredibly proud when his children followed in his footsteps by attending St. Ignatius. He especially loved his time spent watching Mike play water polo and going on Boy Scout camping trips with Matt. John was a passionate cyclist who rode with Maria throughout California, the Pacific Northwest, and Canada. After developing vertigo in his later years, John switched from a road bike to a recumbent to continue cycling. He became widely recognized around Moraga with his orange trike and his pirate flag.

John had a sharp sense of humor and was a phenomenal storyteller. He never passed up an opportunity to make his friends and family laugh.

In his retirement, he enjoyed woodworking and especially loved making bird houses which he happily gave to his friends and family. Upon the birth of his grandson Jack, his woodworking took another turn as he found ways to make toys. 

John left an impression on everyone who ever met him; he was especially admired for his ability to make people feel comfortable, to listen and gently give guidance, and to lead by example.

John is survived by his wife of 43 years, Lynda Cole; children Mike, Maria (Myles), and Matt; grandson Jack; and cousins in San Francisco and Calistoga. He is preceded in death by his parents Frances and John Mahoney; grandparents Mary and Atillio Ottonello; and aunt and uncle Mary and Edward Ottonello.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John’s name to St. Ignatius College Prep, 2001 37th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94116 or St. Vincent de Paul, 2272 San Pablo Ave, Oakland, CA 94612. 

John will be laid to rest at Oakmont Memorial Park in Lafayette, CA. 

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