RAYMOND MAHONEY
This is the story of Raymond Austin Mahoney, a wonderful man who was loved and will always be cherished by his wife, family and friends. He was a dedicated son, loving husband, committed father, grandfather, great-grandfather, a man of tremendous faith and a true friend to many. His kind, warm-hearted and loving spirit will be missed by all. A quiet man of high standards but simple tastes, he lived a full life. When asked what made him the happiest, getting together with family brought him the most joy, followed closely by anything with extra bacon and avocado.
Born on November 9, 1929, the first child of Austin and Marie Mahoney in Stockton, California, he was older brother to Maureen Mahoney Hogan and James Kevin Mahoney. The Mahoney family divided their time between Stockton and the Poppy Ranch, in Clements, California. Ray attended St. Mary’s High School in Stockton and went on to study agriculture at UC Davis and CSU Fresno. Ray enlisted in the United States Navy, a proud tradition followed by son, Timothy, and grandson, Kurt Lobaugh. He met his future wife, Patsy Lee Clark, on a blind date in Sacramento, California, and married her in December of 1951.
After serving in the Navy, Ray and Pat returned to California to work as the Ranch Manager of the Poppy Ranch. They started their family of six children at the Poppy Ranch and then moved to Lodi where Ray followed his father’s path working for San Joaquin County Department of Agriculture for several decades, retiring as the Commissioner of Pesticide Enforcement. Following retirement, Ray worked for many years for Western Ag as a consultant.
Ray led by example as a pil- lar of strength and faith for his family, particularly when he and Patsy’s oldest son, Michael Patrick Mahoney, passed away suddenly on June 8, 1998. When his beloved wife was diagnosed with dementia, he promised to take every step God granted him with her on this journey, which he did to his last breath. He was predeceased by his parents, sister and brother.
Ray is survived by Patsy, his wife of 67 years, and his children, Kathleen Mahoney Papadakis (married to Victor) of Clovis, CA, Timothy James Mahoney (married to Michelle Seefried Mahoney) of Citrus Heights, CA, Colleen Mahoney Lobaugh of Roseville, CA, Greg Mahoney of Woodbridge, CA and Maureen Mahoney Houx (married to Clark Houx) of Tuftonboro, NH. He was the proud grandfather of Nicolaos Papadakis, Julie Mahoney, Christa Lobaugh Cordova, Elizabeth Lobaugh, Lindsay Mahoney Hsieh, Lauren Papadakis Vidrio, Kurtis Lobaugh, Drew Houx, Ryan Houx and great-grandfather to Madison Clark, Payton Clark, Colin Cordova, Naia Papadakis, Joscelyn Cordova, Mario Vidrio, and Wyatt Lobaugh. He is survived by many nieces and nephews.
His passions varied through life. As a young boy he enjoyed his horses, the family ranch, and camping and fishing in the Sierras. He shared his love of camping with his wife and children. He loved photography, his computer, trips with his wife to Monterey, California, researching genealogy, volunteer work at San Joaquin Historical Museum at Micke Grove, and keeping up with current events. He and Patsy enjoyed over 60 years of active membership at St. Anne’s Catholic Church. He volunteered countless hours to the Boy Scouts of America and his children’s schools. Ray and Pat have hosted the Twohey Family Reunion at Micke Grove Park for over 25 years for the Twohey/Mahoney families. He was happiest spending time on his patio with his wife and extended family.
A mass will be held at St. Anne’s Church in Lodi at 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 8, immediately followed by a reception in the Church Hall. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that anyone wishing to donate consider the San Joaquin County Historical Museum at Micke Grove, P.O. Box 30, Lodi, CA 95241.