Born on Feb. 6, 1943, in Chelsea, Mass., he was a son of the late John Bartholomew and Jean Marie (Haley) Mahon. John attended St. Aloysius School as a child and graduated from Hanover Township High School, Class of 1960.
His active career with the U.S. Navy began in Sept. of 1960, until his reassignment in Dec. of 1990 to the U.S. Naval Reserves, with full retirement in 1993.
The duties to his country were in the submarine division as a Precision Opticalman. After achieving the rank of E-9, Master Chief Petty Officer, he was assigned the duties of Command Master Chief.
In 1989, John started his own company and became president of Northeast Precision Optics (NPO), which operated to serve the broadcast television industry.
John is survived by Rae Anusiewicz of West Wyoming, companion of 15 years; daughter Melissa Mahon, of Mountain Top; and grandchild Ayla; son Bartholomew John Mahon, of Wilkes-Barre; and grandchild Zoe Genia; sisters Marcella Mahon, of Texas; Margo McGonagle, of Illinois; Mary Jean Grove, of Florida; brother Bartholomew Mahon, of New Jersey; sister Barbara Beynon, of Pennsylvania; and several nieces and nephews.
John’s final words of wisdom to us all would be “Never quit.” In accordance to his wishes, PCCM John D. Mahon received a military tribute and burial at sea. Contributions in his memory can be made to the Luzerne County SPCA. Arrangements are by the Corcoran Funeral Home, 20 S. Main St., Plains Township. Online condolences may be made at www.corcoranfuneralhome.com .
The Times Leader (Wilkes-Barre, PA) - September 24, 2009