Bernard L. Mahoney, Jr., 85, passed away with his family at his side on Monday, May 9, 2022, at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, VA.
He was born on November 1, 1936, in Boston to the late Bernard L. Mahoney, Sr. and Catherine Dwyer Mahoney. Dr. Mahoney was a member of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and served in the usher ministry. Dr. Mahoney was a graduate of Boston College (BS) 1958 and Boston College Graduate School (MS) 1960 as a Research Fellow for the National Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Harvard Medical School. He received a doctorate in physical chemistry from the University of New Hampshire in 1967 and held positions as University Teaching and National Science Foundation Fellows. He joined the faculty of Mary Washington College as a member of the Chemistry Department in 1965. He was recognized with the rank of Distinguished Professor in 1988. He served as chair of the Department of Chemistry from 1971 to 1983. His research interests included the development of analytical methods of environmental, clinical, and forensic sample analysis as well as the development and implementation of computer and multi-media instructional materials in chemical education. Dr. Mahoney was instrumental in the formation of the Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree program, the design and building of Jepson Science Center, and coordinated the Chemistry Department’s move from Combs Hall to Jepson. Dr. Mahoney received the Simpson Award for Outstanding Teaching in 1984 and retired as Emeritus Distinguished Professor in 2002 from the University of Mary Washington after 38 years of service. In 2018 Marilyn Shull Black (MWC ’69) honored Dr. Mahoney by establishing the Bernard Mahoney, Jr. Student Research Fellowship in Science.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Kathleen McCabe Mahoney; sons Brian B. Mahoney (Judy) of Vienna, VA and Brendan M. Mahoney (Lucy) of Richmond, VA; daughter Karen Mahoney O’Donnell (Scott) of Moseley, VA; two grandchildren, Rory O’Donnell and Katelyn O’Donnell; and sister Mary Mahoney Galgay of Watertown, MA; as well as several nieces and nephews.
A wake will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 15, 2022, at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg. A Mass of Celebration will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, May 16 at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church. Interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial.
For those wishing to honor Bernie, donations may be made to the UMW Faculty Children’s Scholarship (1119 Hanover St., Fredericksburg VA 22401) or to St. Mary Catholic Church (1009 Stafford Ave., Fredericksburg, VA 22401).