Michael Dennis Mahoney

Michael D. Mahoney [Age 74] passed peacefully at his home in Greenfield, New Hampshire on June 20, 2025 surrounded by his family and dear friends of many decades. A lifelong resident of the Granite State, Michael graduated from Milford High School in 1969 where he was a gifted athlete. He started college at the University of New Hampshire but his attendance was cut short by a life-threatening diagnosis of chronic kidney disease. His illness forced him to leave school and spend virtually all of his time struggling with his health. He eventually returned to college and graduated with distinction from Franklin Pierce College with a bachelor’s degree in finance.

Three times each week after leaving UNH, for two years, he drove to Boston for dialysis treatments as this was the only place in the northeast region offering this life saving measure. To aid with the cost of drugs and transportation, the people of Milford came together to support both Michael and another Milford boy, Tommy Byrd, undergoing the same ordeal. The generosity of the town through the Byrd/ Mahoney fund helped the Mahoney and Byrd families make it financially through this difficult time.

Mike underwent an experimental kidney transplant with the organ donated by his mother, Cecile Mahoney Coy, in 1972. Very few kidney transplants then had endured the test of time, but Michael persevered as a pioneer in post-operative treatments that have become commonplace today. As a result of Michael’s diligence, his dedication to diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle, his donated kidney continued working for over thirty-three years. In 2005 he received a second transplanted kidney from his sister, Micheleen G. Bagley, which prolonged his life for another twenty years.

The anti-rejection drugs he took to preserve the first transplanted kidney had the side effect of destroying his hips. He endured three total bi-lateral hip replacements in 1975, 1985, and 2015. His prior athletic ability and his strong desire to be physically active helped him maintain his equilibrium and kept him hard at work. For many years he worked at the Milford Transfer Station manning the commercial scale operation there. Later he worked in administration for The Well school in Peterborough. Despite the physical challenges he faced, Michael loved outdoor activities throughout his life including gardening, lawn care, snow removal, and stacking fire wood. He enjoyed maintaining the family properties for nearly two decades.

Michael was an accomplished guitarist and song writer, and was always at home with music. He was happiest when he was strumming his six string or singing a tune, especially when surrounded by friends and family. He recorded and copywrote sixty original songs, and performed in public at times. When it became evident to him that he was nearing the end of his journey, Mike opted to return to his own home rather than remain in the hospital or transfer to a hospice house. He wanted to be where he lived, where he loved family and friends, and where they loved him. Michael’s last wish was to be able to play his guitar and be close to those he loved. This he achieved.

Michael lived a long and productive life, was a beloved and devoted son, brother, uncle, and friend who cared deeply about those around him. All who knew him will cherish countless memories of his intelligence, humor, and courage, and never forget his display of grit as he faced the obstacles life presented him. He remains an inspiration to the many he touched.

Michael Mahoney was predeceased by his father, Stanley S. Mahoney, and is survived by his mother, Cecile Mahoney Coy, his elder sister, Micheleen G. Bagley and her husband Paul of Milford, NH, his younger sisters Sharon L. Galiatsatos and her husband Jerry of Silver Spring, Maryland, Marilyn M. McGuire and her husband Paul of New Boston, NH, Kyle J. Lyford and her husband Ernie of Gardner, Massachusetts, three nieces, Amy Bagley, Leah Webster, and Kelsey Lyford, and six nephews, Ben Moreau and his wife Vega, Mark Moreau and his partner Sarah Elwood, Josh Lyford, Nick Lyford and his wife Laura, Christos Galiatsatos and his wife Kelsey Farrish, and Alex Galiatsatos and his wife Missy Curl.

Calling hours will be at Smith & Heald Funeral Home at 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday July 1, 2025. An interment will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 11:00 AM, at the Greenvale Cemetery, Route 31 in Greenfield, NH. The family invites all to join them after the interment at 34 Francestown Road, Greenfield, NH.