Mineola Fire Department Ex-Chief William J. Mahoney Dies

The  has announced that ex-Chief William J. “Bill” Mahoney had passed away Friday morning due to conditions related to cancer.

Mahoney was a 35-year veteran of engine company No. 1.

Mahoney was involved in the fire service for nearly 40 years. From 1972 to 1976, he served as a member of Engine Company Three and the Rescue Squad of the . During his time in Garden City Park Mahoney rose to the rank of Second Lieutenant. A seasoned firefighter, he found a home in the Mineola Fire Department when he joined in April of 1976.

Mahoney was an active firefighter in 1983 he was elected second lieutenant of Engine One. After 4 years as Lieutenant he was elected to the position of Captain in 1987, leading “The Pride of Mineola,” as Engine Company One liked to be called, for the next 2 years.

The leadership experience gave Bill the confidence and support of the department as he sought to enter the Chief’s 0ffice in 1989. Serving 4 years as Assistant Chief from 1989-93, Bill worked many major fires and continued to lead the department forward. In 1993 William J. Mahoney was elected by his peers to lead Mineola’s bravest as Chief of Department, remaining in office from 1993-1995.

Throughout his 35 years in the Mineola Fire Department, Mahoney always remained focused on his family. He is survived by wife Carol Mahoney, always at his side has been a long time member of the Mineola Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, as well as their three children: Kristine, Colleen and Billy Jr., who grew up in Mineola’s firehouse and always supported their father’s volunteer work.

“Today the Mahoney family lost a husband, father and grandfather.  Today our community lost a great friend and dedicated volunteer firefighter,” Mineola  said in response to the news.

“We are extremely fortunate that Bill chose Mineola as his home. We all benefited from his unselfish dedication to us.

“As a 35 year member of our volunteer fire department, Ex-Chief Mahoney gave tirelessly of himself and his family has endured great sacrifices as he left them at all hours of the day and night to help his neighbors in their time of need.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Carol and the entire Mahoney family during this most painful time. I can only hope that they can take some level of comfort from the outpouring of love and support they have from their friends, neighbors, Bill’s brother firefighters and a grateful community. He will be sorely missed.”

Viewing will be at the  on February 19 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; February 20 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Firematic Services will be held on February 20 at 7:30 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Aidan’s Church in Williston Park on February 21 at 10 a.m. with internment to follow at Holy Rood Cemetery.