volunteer spotlight - Nativity Preparatory School

Encouraged by Barry, Jack and his good friend Jim Moynihan
decided to donate the proceeds of their annual Christmas luncheon
to the new, tuition-free, Jesuit middle school in Roxbury that was
serving low-income boys from Boston. Jack’s affinity and admiration
for the mission of Nativity Prep remained strong. His quiet acts of
kindness to Nativity developed into a lasting family legacy.
Born and raised in Belmont with his nine siblings, Jack Mahoney
graduated from Northeastern University and went on to pursue a
career in the computer industry, working for companies such as
IBM and Honeywell. Together with his wife Marcia, they raised five
children. After moving several times, the Mahoney Family
eventually returned to the Boston area and settled in Dover.
Lovingly referred to as “O” by his children and grandchildren, Jack
can be described in many ways: a hard worker, a man’s man, a
person with a great sense of humor, a golfer, a carpenter, a
dedicated Catholic. But most of all, he is described as a loving and
devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend.
Shortly after celebrating his 50th wedding anniversary, Jack
Mahoney passed away unexpectedly in February 2007. Because of
Jack’s belief in its mission, Nativity Prep was the beneficiary of
numerous gifts from family and friends upon his passing.
In the months following his father’s death, John (Jay) Mahoney
decided to create a more permanent legacy for his father and
4 ANNUAL REPORT 2010
JACK MAHONEY
Pictured above: Jack and Marcia Mahoney with their grandchildren at their 50th Anniversary party in 2007
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“My family and I are very excited about
supporting your efforts and doing it in a way
that honors my dad’s memory and his own
strong interest in Nativity Prep.”
– John Mahoney
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Like many of Nativity’s supporters, Jack Mahoney was introduced to Nativity Prep
twenty years ago by Barry Hynes, the school’s founder.
established an endowed fund at Nativity. In a letter written to the
school in October 2007, John wrote, “My family and I are very
excited about supporting your efforts and doing it in a way that
honors my dad’s memory and his own strong interest in Nativity
Prep.” In June 2010, John significantly enhanced the fund with the
addition of a very generous $200,000 gift. Beginning this year,
Nativity will draw monies from the fund to support short-term
operating needs, and the principal will be reinvested for growth.
John’s four siblings – Mark, Ann, Mel and Sally – also contribute to
Nativity in their own meaningful ways through personal donations
and hometown drives to raise money for new books and other school
supplies. Aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews continue to
support Nativity and honor Jack’s legacy through annual
contributions to the Mahoney Fund. Upon moving back to the greater
Boston area from Chicago three years ago, Mel reached out to
Nativity and offered her services as a volunteer. She first volunteered
in the library. Today she serves as the school’s social studies
coordinator and SSAT Prep teacher. Along with her husband Brad
and their 3 sons, Mel is an integral part of the daily life of Nativity.
Although Jack Mahoney is no longer with us today, his legacy lives
on. The John H. Mahoney Memorial Fund not only provides a
lasting tribute to Jack Mahoney, but also assists Nativity with its
need to build a stronger and healthier financial future.