Obituary of Donald J. Mahon

MAHON, Donald J. Age 89 of Painted Post. Donald J. Mahon of Woodycrest passed away peacefully on Monday morning September 13th 2021. Whenever greeted by a friend or stranger, Don would usually respond, “living a dream’. If questioned about his dream he would proudly respond, “I made the Hawkeye football team, I married my college sweetheart. We had two perfect children, six academically capable grandchildren, and had an enjoyable and rewarding career. Now with my bride, we are enjoying the privilege of growing old.” Don was born in Larksville, PA on the 4th of February 1932. He married the love of his life, Mary Susan Konsko, on the 10th of July 1954 in Palmerton, PA. Don is graduated from Hanover High School, Wilkes-Barre, PA in 1949. He did his undergraduate work at the Mansfield State Teachers College, graduating in 3 years with a B.S. in Elementary Education. He received his Master’s Degree in Elementary School Administration and Supervision from the State University at Cortland in 1958. Don’s teaching career began at the Campbell Central School District, where he taught various elementary grades and junior high school for six years. He was appointed Elementary School Supervisor in 1958. Don directed a very successful and state recognized ungraded primary school in Campbell from 1960-1962. In 1962 Don began a 26-year stint with the Corning-Painted Post Area School District as an Elementary School Principal. He was principal at the Frank Pierce and Calvin U. Smith schools from 1962-1970. He was appointed principal of the William Severn School, where he served until 1982 when he was appointed to the Frederick Carter Elementary School. He remained there until his retirement in 1988. After Don caught his breath with a brief retirement (four months), he was appointed interim principal in the Hammondsport Central School District in 1989, a Supervisor of Student Teaching in 1990 at the State University of Cortland and finished his 40-year career in education in Pennsylvania at the Northern Tioga School District. Don had good credentials as an athlete. In high school he lettered in wrestling, baseball, and football. He was captain of the Hawkeye football team. In college Don lettered in baseball and was captain of the football team. In 2019 he was inducted into the Mansfield University Athletic Hall of Fame. Early in his teaching career he coached the first Campbell wrestling team, competing against Haverling, Painted Post, Bonvar, Addison, and Odessa with winning seasons. He was effective as a wrestling official at the high school and college level. He also served as president of the Section Five Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association. As an avocation, he and Mary enjoyed dancing and both were addicted to golf. They took ballroom and polka lessons in preparation of their daughter’s wedding. Don said, “If we are paying for the party, we are going to enjoy the music”. As for golf, he took up the game at the age of 45 when he shot a 52 on his first 9 holes. After 20 years of golf Don is quoted as saying “Frequently I can still shoot a 52 for 9 holes.” Don is survived by his wife of 68 years and his two daughters, Elizabeth (Gregory) Behm of Hamilton MT, and Mary Carrigan of Horseheads, NY; six grandchildren, Major Christopher (Ashley), Nicholas (Aubree), and Joshua Behm, Ellen (Tyler) Kent, Braxton (Suzette) Hill, and Jordan Hill; seven great grandchildren, Remmington and Arabelle Behm, Harvey Kent, Adellae, Camilla, and Griffin Hill, and Matthew Behm. Honoring Don’s wishes, there will be no calling hours and no funeral services. A Christian burial of his ashes will be held at the convenience of the family. Those wishing may make a donation in Don’s name to Smile Train, PO Box 96231, Washington, DC 20090 and Wounded Warriors, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.