John Croxton Mahoney, of Frederick, MD, gave up his spirit on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, at his home with his family around him. John was born on July 19, 1946, in Boston, Massachusetts to John F. Mahoney and Lillian R. Peck. They moved many times during his primary years, finally settling in Catonsville, MD. He was in the first graduating class of Woodlawn High School. He then attended the University of Baltimore until he was drafted during the lottery for the Vietnam War. He turned down the offer to go to OCS, hoping to attend helicopter training. Secondary to failing the vision tests, he was sent instead to combat medic training. As EM in charge of the 97th General Hospital's Orthopedic Clinic in Frankfurt, Germany, he was awarded the "Soldier of the Month". During the thirteen months stationed there, he was able to travel extensively throughout Europe. John was very patriotic and was honorably discharged in 1968.

John returned home to marry Nancy Clayton, his high school sweetheart, and soul-mate for life. He attended Catonsville Community College and was then admitted to the University of Maryland's physical therapy program, from which he graduated with honors.

John accepted his first job with Bill Neill at Kernan Hospital, where he began his very ambitious, creative and remarkable career which he loved. He became the clinical director and developed five additional sites in MD. His role included adjunct clinical instructor affiliations with numerous university based physical therapy training programs. As a consultant and a clinician, he had a distinguished reputation in local regional and national arenas. His clinical skills were sought out from varied sources including the MD State Police, mayors, governors, President Jimmy Carter and the Royal Family of Saudi Arabia. He served as personal therapist to multiple nationally and internationally renowned sports figures including his good friend Johnny Unitas, Wes Unseld and Dorothy Hamill. John was committed to his philosophy that wellness should be an all inclusive, well rounded way of life. He developed therapy regimens always including gym based and community based exercises. He sponsored walk-in sports injury clinics for local high schools, colleges and weekend athletes. John consistently practiced his goal of getting the best results no matter what the challenge or what your insurance status was.

John was always an avid reader. He enjoyed football, sports cars and going to car races with his son, sun bathing at any ocean, visiting all of the Florida Keys and Jimmy Buffet music restored his soul. While living in Howard County, he enjoyed grilling and pool parties. After moving to his waterfront home, he loved to explore the Chesapeake Bay area in his Boston Whaler, and teach his grandchildren to fish and steam the crabs they'd caught. John loved hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains and long car rides with Nancy, visiting National Parks. Above all, Johns first love was his family and then his career. He was very proud of his Irish heritage and loved taking his entire family back to Ireland.

John is survived by his wife, Nancy; his son, Michael Mahoney of Mt. Airy, MD; his daughter, Meredith Foerster (Dave "Best Son-In-Law Ever"); of Frederick, MD and special niece, Bridget Roth (Mike) Taylor and Hailey of Jarettsville, MD; Sisters: Jane Dawson (Al) of West Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Patricia Davis of Frederick, MD, Jacqueline Aaron of Frederick, MD; sister-in-law, Susan Phoebus of Ferndale, MD, Niece Erin Dawson, Nephews: John Patrick Aaron (Angela) and their daughter, Sophia, Mark Davis (Kirsten), Sean and Neill Dawson; Grandchildren David Foerster, Jr. (Lauren), Zachary Clayton Mahoney, Jacob John Foerster, Jordan Mahoney as well as a Great-Grandchild: Thrace Foerster.

In keeping with John's wishes, following his cremation, a private service will be held at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church for Immediate family only.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to his favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Reseach Hospital.