Dr. Paul J. Mahoney, II

Dr. Paul J. Mahoney II

May 6, 1979 – March 30, 2024

It is with profound sorrow that the Mahoney family announces the unexpected passing of Dr. Paul Joseph Mahoney II, aged 44, of Wilton, NH. Paul passed away suddenly on March 30, 2024, due to heart failure. He was born in Boston, MA, on May 6, 1979, the eldest child of Paul and Marion (Hartley) Mahoney.

Paul is survived by his wife, Emily (Butt) Mahoney and their son Simon; mother, Marion Mahoney; brother Michael Mahoney and wife Colleen; sister Liane (Mahoney) Ciulla and husband Jay; nephews Henry and Leo; and nieces Sophia, Rose, and Molly.

Paul was raised in Wilmington, MA where he attended Wilmington High School, a member of the class of 1997. Paul was a proud Boston College Eagle, graduating in 2002, and went on to earn multiple advanced degrees, culminating in a Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis from Endicott College. Paul was passionate about the care of and advocacy for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and complex clinical needs, and he cherished the many relationships he built during his tenures at the New England Center for Children, Canton Public Schools, Vinfen Corp, and Amego, Inc. To the individuals that Paul served: Paul loved you.

Paul had a brilliant mind and was always the smartest person in the room, no matter the company. He was a natural at everything he did and could pick up complex new skills and hobbies, like flying a helicopter, with casual ease. Paul was a talented singer with a unique countertenor vocal range. He loved music, especially music with a lot of harmony, and sang in several barbershop quartets and ensembles. From the day of Simon’s birth, Paul’s greatest pleasure was singing to his son, and Paul’s voice quickly became Simon’s favorite sound. An enthusiast of Irish folk music, Paul revived his skills at playing the flute and tin whistle to play his favorite songs for Simon. He enjoyed skiing and tolerated hiking. He was no great sports fan but enjoyed being an NCAA baseball umpire; when he did watch sports, he was more interested in the officiating than the gameplay. Paul was a fan of horror films and was absolutely tickled that his son was born on Friday the 13th. An avid reader and audiobook listener, Paul’s library was immense, and not limited to the English language; Paul spoke both French and German. He loved to cook and continually refine his recipes. Nothing but African food was spicy enough for his palate, so he took matters into his own hands and became a gardener to grow his own peppers for homemade hot sauce. It is impossible to remark on Paul’s qualities without mention of his sense of humor, which he employed twenty-four hours a day. No topic was too serious for Paul to laugh at. He’d probably be disappointed that this obituary is referring to his “passing” and not something more flippant, like his “demise”, “expiration” or “termination.” He had a joke, a quote, a silly voice, an impression, a song, or a cultural reference to lighten every occasion. Simon is well on his way to being just like dad, as he already thinks everything is funny.

Above all of this, Paul was kind. A generous spirit, he shared his skills, knowledge, time, and abilities freely and with alacrity. He had a habit of encountering wandering pets and disabled motorists and was more than happy to render aid. Paul was a Mason and loved participating in the many charitable endeavors of the Bethel-Souhegan Lodge. He spent hours listening to podcasts and audiobooks about Freemasonry and becoming a better man. He did not need this coaching though; he was already a better man than he knew. Paul embraced fatherhood with unwavering dedication, and none of his many pursuits gave him as much joy as being Simon’s dad. He couldn’t wait to teach Simon to play music, feed Simon his first ice cream cone, watch Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas with Simon, take Simon skiing at Jay Peak, and just nurture Simon's growth and development.

As for Emily, to be peas in a pod with Paul has been a privilege and a gift. Their connection will never be replicated. It is a rare thing to experience the kind of love, devotion, friendship, and partnership that came with being married to Paul. Paul was the best husband, the best father, and the best friend.

Visiting hours will be held at Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA 01887 on Sunday, April 28, 2024, from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Paul’s name to Amego, Inc. https://www.amegoinc.org/give-now