John Cushing Mahaney

John Cushing Mahaney CLU, ChFC, AEP (Accredited Estate Planner), 75 of Summit, NJ died on Saturday, October 12th, 2013 at Weill Cornell Hospital in NYC surrounded by his loving family.

Born on March 9, 1938 in Sayre, Pennsylvania, John was the youngest of five siblings, James, Jerry, Joseph and Mary. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University in 1959 and joined Equitable’s Administrative Training Program in Charleston, W. Virginia where he embarked in a legendary 54 year career with AXA-Equitable as a financial advisor. He became a member of the National Leaders Corps, National Council and even more prestigious Presidents Cabinet. In addition, he earned his Chartered Life Underwriter designation in 1964 and was a qualifying life member of the Million Dollar Round Table for over fifty consecutive years. In 1980, John was featured in the NY Times as Honor Agent of the Equitable’s Northeastern Regions for his professional distinguishments and contributions to the community. He was fondly referred to in grammar school as “Mooch” and by those who knew him in the insurance industry as “The Legend.” John was an avid golfer with five career holes-in-one and an active member of Baltusrol Golf Club and Canoe Brook Country Club. He was also a dedicated Giants fan who could be found in section 137 at every home game. “Big John” had a short cut for every route in New Jersey and had a friend in every area code, including at a bar in Queenstown, New Zealand. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the American Ireland Fund, Bona’s Alumni and was an active parishioner at St. Rose of Lima RC Church, where he shared a strong sense of spirituality and commitment to his faith. Beyond his many professional and personal accomplishments, John was known for his great sense of humor, incredible work ethic and the enormous amount of empathy he had for his clients and for those who had experienced loss. Some of his happiest times were spent during his summers on Martha’s Vineyard, at the Jersey Shore in Sea Girt and having Sunday brunch in the West Village with his daughters. He loved bragging about his wife and daughters, sharing laughs with best friends and working up until his very last day. John was pre-deceased by his mother Kathleen Cushing Mahaney, his father James Ignatious Mahaney and his five siblings. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Joanne, his four daughters Shannon, Kathryn, Deirdre (Joe Ostrowski) and Bevan. John’s life journey was supported through compassion, joy and faith in God. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Bonaventure University in Olean, New York in his name. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at 10 am at St. Rose of Lima Church, 50 Short Hills Ave, Short Hills. Interment St. Rose of Lima Cemetery. Visiting hours will be Tuesday, 2-4 & 7-9 pm at the Bradley Brough & Dangler Funeral Home, 309 Springfield Ave, Summit, NJ.