Don and I met the middle of our junior year at Jefferson.  We were in an English class together and he happened to notice a Hot Rod magazine concealed in my notebook from across the aisle.  The beginning of a long friendship.  Don was driving a '57 Ford at the time and I had a '56 Chevy.  As would be expected, fate drug us out on a remote piece of 410 where we commenced to "blow out the carbon".  I would say without a doubt that this was the day Don became a Chevy fan.  To make matters worse, that experience cost him some parts replacement in his transmission.  Not to worry, though....Don was quite talented and had the tranny repaired in no time.  We started hanging out and met each other's friends.  We built a couple of practice engines before he took on his race car, but that's exactly what they were....we both learned from our tinkering.  Other car enthusiasts included Gary Haile, Mike McShane, Gary Brinkley and several others.There are a million stories to tell and I am reminded of them often.  Rest in Peace Don.  I will surely miss you . Jim Salling Spring Branch, Tx

Don was a great work colleague and a special friend.  He was always generous with his time and was a mentor to many through the years.  I personally learned a lot from him.  He was not only at the center of creative mechanical design at SwRI but also at the center of activities and entertainment outside of work.  He will be deeply missed.   Ken Roberson

I won't ever find a better friend than Don Mahoney! The memories we shared of poker games, lake trips, work events, and bridge will live on forever.  As a dedicated mechanical designer, you were always ready and willing to answer my questions and help me solve problems when working side by side on a difficult project. I feel so special to have worked with you and to have been your next-door office mate. All the great times spent with you, your family, and your friends will never be forgotten! Until we meet again...

Don was a fantastic friend and co-worker!  I always enjoyed it when he would tell us stories about his life and adventures.  My deepest condolences to his family and friends.  He will be missed and never forgotten.  God Speed Don!

Don was one smart designer – a whole story in itself.  But he was also a good soul.  My wife and I got to know Don outside the office when he’d invite a group of folks to his ranch for the weekend. He seemed to love that ranch, and anyone who’s been there can understand - the natural beauty of getting away from everything. We learned to dirt bike, skeet shoot, and swim in cement ponds on those weekend trips. It was the best of times. Don was a very special person, tough as nails but always a giving person. I remember water skiing on his boat, drinking beer, and watching him drive that boat until all had skied and he was dirt tired.  He was a kind soul, reserved at times, but a purposeful man.  You’ll be missed and remembered – Robert and Nancy Torres

Don and I were best friends in high school and for many years after.  Military time and moving separated us for quite a while.  Don was one of the most likeable guys I ever met.  He could do anything from repairing lawnmowers to designing and building a house.  I will never forget him.  My best to his family! Jim Salling, Spring Branch, TX

When someone leaves your life, those exits are not made equal. Some are beautiful, poetic and satisfying. Others are abrupt and unfair. But most are just unremarkable, unintentional, clumsy. Where my grandfather went, he didn’t intend to end up there and he certainly didn’t intend to spend as much time away as he did. From my perspective, my grandpa was here and then the next day he wasn’t. I’m simply here at home with a promise left unfulfilled, “I’ll be back home soon.”            Even now as I sit here writing this it’s hard, surreal and unexpected. I always thought I had more time. More time for him to see me graduate. More time to see him for one more Christmas. More time for him to see me get married. Just… more time. I don’t have that time anymore, so in lieu of that time I want to speak about the purpose, joy, and sense of belonging he gave to my life. The happiness he brought to me. Something I will never be able to replicate, replace or recreate but it’s not something I want to either. Those moments are the smell of blueberry muffins on a Sunday morning. Those moments are the cold Texas breeze in the early morning accompanied by the rough roads of the ranch under the Jeep’s tires. Those moments are seeing my grandfather through blurry visions and sleepy thoughts as he carried me back to my bed after a long trip. Those moments are me tasting beer for the first time and being absolutely disgusted by the taste. Those moments are his unmistakable laugh; genuine, hearty and accompanied by his experiences. Those unique moments are the foundations for who I am as a person today and who I will continue to be going forward.             I remember when my grandfather would sometimes pick me up from school early, generally for a doctor’s appointment but sometimes he would just do it. He would take me to McDonalds on Tuesdays because on those days they offered arts and craft lessons. Sometimes he would do them with me or help me when my young uncoordinated hands couldn’t get the popsicle sticks to sit just right. Saturday mornings where we would watch cartoons like Samurai Jack and Johnny Bravo together. Afternoons spent listening to “The War of the Worlds” soundtrack or discussing Moody Blues and his favorite tracks. My grandfather, through all my problems, temperamental teenage years, hurtful words and actions, loved me unconditionally. Because that’s what people do who love you. They put their arms around you and love you when you’re not so lovable. I could never express to him how much I loved him, because it never seemed like enough. However, as my late friend Kim once told me, “Saying 'I can never express how much I love you' will express it just beautifully.”            The life he gave me is a gift that is too great — a debt I can never repay. I hope to live a life that makes him proud of the grandson he raised, for I will forever be proud of him. I’m heartbroken, devastated and sad but... even happier days are to come, because that is the world that he has given my sister, my brother and I. This is the ending he’s worked for. I think that the world itself is overflowing with beauty, my grandfather being the cause. So today, please be open with your love and loud with your laughter. Life is so much brighter when lived genuinely.

Dad and Russ use to call me hotdog. I guess it was the skateboarder in me. I'll never forget that nickname. I am going to miss him telling me to be careful.  I miss you so much Dad.

So sorry to learn of Don's passing. He truly was  an exceptional coworker who was liked by everyone and whose technical knowledge was sought after constantly. Condolences to all his family and loved ones.  Linda Zedler Talley

Don was a kind and intelligent man who will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. I was very fortunate to have been able to work and play with Don over the years since I came to work at SwRI in 1985. Don was an innovative genius who never spoke a harsh word against anyone. He was a great brain stormer and problem solver who never called you out for coming up with a really dumb idea. He would just work steadily toward a better technical solution.  We all learned a lot from Don.  But it wasn't all work and no play for Don Mahoney, no sir. Many of the Division 16 staff had numerous fun days water skiing at Canyon Lake and partying at Don's Ranch. And one year I was lucky enough to go deer hunting at the Ranch with Don and his good buddy Russ Rittimann. We ate Ranch Beans and drank lots of beer for dinner, and as you can imagine (or maybe you can't) we spent a very musical night trying to out perform each other with our tunes! He could actually do one called "Motorcycle going over the hill"! Hilarious!   Don worked hard and played hard. He was an inspired cook as well, creating delicious dried deer sausage (called it "Bambi Sausage") in addition to those yummy Ranch Beans.   God Bless you old buddy. Save me some of your gluten free deer sausage for when I meet you and Russ again at the Pearly Gates!  Steve Saulnier

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Don Edward Mahoney

2 août 1944 – 26 février 2022

Porter Loring Mortuary - McCullough

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