Leonard Leroy Mahoney

Lee was born on December 28, 1926 in Owensboro, KY and passed away on February 15, 2014 in San Marcos, California. He was a life-long Marine and served from May 1944 until his retirement in May 1974. Once a Marine, always a Marine. He was born to J.R. and Martha Mahoney and enjoyed growing up in a large Catholic family of eight siblings. Three of his siblings died in childhood and is survived by his brothers Bill and Dick; and his sisters Sister Martha (Betty) and Judy. Between his brothers and sisters he has 10 nieces and nephews and 12 great-nieces and nephews. Lee and his wife Rose who were married on October 8, 1949 and had five children; Jerry, Judy, Daniel, Audra and Jim; he has 18 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Jim died in March 1978 of an automobile accident. Dad liked his iced tea and sweets but Twinkies were a favorite. He requested that Tony, his first grandchild, put a Twinkie in the casket with him when he passed. He had a sense of humor like no other. He danced a jig frequently and passionately loved his "Zossie" (his wife of over 64 years). Mom asked him if he was going to call her that forever and he said "Yes." He had a special love for his kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and teased them often. A favorite one was to ask if the kids had fed the chickens yet. Every generation of kids were asked if they had fed those darn chickens. Being a family man was first but service to his country by being a Marine was a privilege to him. He joined the Marine at the end of WWII, he was 17 years old. He went into the division of motor transport which became his live-long profession. Dad served overseas numerous times. In the Korean conflict he was deployed and barely made it out by jumping in the bay door of the last transport out of Korea. He served two tours in Japan (1950 and 1956) and two tours in the Vietnam Conflict (1968-1969 in Da Nang and Thailand 1972-1973). In-between his trips overseas he served on recruiting duty twice and was stationed at Camp Pendleton, California. The dedication to his country resulted in numerous citations: Pistol Marksman Badge; Bronze Star Medal with combat "V"; Presidential Unit Citation with 2 Stars; Victory Medal WW II; National Defense Service Medal with 1 Star; Korean Service Medal with 4 Stars; United Nations Medal; Army Distinguished Unit Emblem; American Campaign Medal; Korean Presidential Unit Citation with 2 Stars; Vietnam Campaign Medal with device; Vietnam Service Medal with 6 Stars; Good Conduct Medal with 10 Stars; Combat Action Ribbon; RVN Cross of Gallantry with palm and frame; Navy Unit Commendation (2). The stars denote that he received the award more than once. The initial ribbon counts as the first time it was awarded. The dedication to his family is cited in the many ways he loved us all and helped us to succeed in life. He was treasured by his family and friends. We will miss him greatly. The Mahoney Family

Leonard Leroy Mahoney

December 28, 1926 - February 15, 2014