MAHONEY, John Joseph, Jr., of Rockland, MA – passed peacefully after a short battle with cancer on Friday, December 21, 2012 at the age of 83 under the compassionate care of the Brockton Veteran's Administration Hospital. John was born on September 1, 1929 in Boston to John J. Mahoney of Boston and Anastastia V. (Kelly) Mahoney of Kilkenny, Ireland. After the very early deaths of his parents and his infant brother, Jeremiah, he was raised with love by his aunt Helen Horan in South Boston. He was a graduate of the Gate of Heaven High School in South Boston where he excelled in athletics participating in both football and baseball. Forgoing a scholarship to Notre Dame, he joined the Army and was sent to New Jersey for basic training. Upon completion he was stationed in Panama and eventually saw combat in Korea. He earned the rank of Sergeant. Upon leaving the Army he joined the United States Post Office and worked as both a mailman and mail handler until his retirement. He was an independent person who lived life on his own terms. Among his favorite things were Hershey chocolate bars, potatoes, the Boston Herald, John Wayne movies and of course Irish whiskey. He was particularly dismayed over the recent demise of the Suzy Q! He led a very healthy life until just a few months ago and was always a very strong person. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Audrey M. (Donovan) of Rockland, MA, his daughter, Diane M. (Mahoney) Maguire and her husband, David, of Plymouth, MA; his sons, John J. Mahoney III of Brockton, MA; William A. Mahoney of Rockland, MA; his stepsons Clayton J. Chandler of Aurora, CO and David M. Chandler of Rockland, MA – who in addition to being his stepson took tremendous care of John during his recent illness. He was particularly proud of his wonderful grandchildren – Deirdra M. Mahoney (and her mother, Melissa R. (Logston) Mahoney) of Weymouth, MA, Ian D. Maguire of Plymouth, MA and Brendan B. Maguire of Plymouth, MA. In keeping with the wishes of this private person, there will be no wake or funeral. Cremation will take place at Vine Hills Crematory and interment will be in the spring. All arrangements are by Bartlett-Santos Funeral Home, Plymouth.