George E.

Mahoney

Brookings resident George E. Mahoney, 86, passed away in Crescent City, CA on February 21, 2012. George was born July 26, 1925 in Woodland, Calif. to Edward G. and Velma B. (Leathers) Mahoney. He entered the US Army Air Corps in 1943 and served as a B-24 tail gunner flying many combat missions. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Staff Sergeant in 1945, a recipient of the Distinguished Air Medal, the Presidential Citation and various campaign medals. George worked as a general contractor until, in 1955, he began work as an assistant field inspector with Yolo County. He worked his way up to Chief Building Inspector, a title he held from 1961 until retirement in 1974. George married Vivian Foss-Baker on November 1, 1958 in Knights Landing, Calif. They moved to Happy Camp, CA in 1974 and lived there until moving to Brookings in 1990. George was a member of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Star of the Sea Catholic Church. He also enjoyed fly fishing on the Klamath River. Survivors include his sister, Mary Mahoney of Sacramento, Calif. and a brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Linda Mahoney of San Bruno, Calif, step-daughter-in-law, Gwen Baker and numerous nieces and nephews. George was preceded in death by his wife, Vivian in 2005, brother, Alan and a step-son, Joe Baker. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hanna Boys Center, PO Box 100, Sonoma, CA 95746 (hannacenter.org) or to a charity of the donor's choice. A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 820 Old County Road in Brookings. Father Luan Nguyen will officiate. Inurnment will be at a later date at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Woodland, Calif.