John Joseph Mahan Jr. - Cremation Society of Virginia

John Joseph Mahan Jr.

April 28, 1939 - June 12, 2017

Location Not Available

Tuesday 6/27, 11:00 am

John Joseph Mahan Jr.

Chesapeake – John Mahan, 78, died June 12, 2017 at Chesapeake Regional Hospital. Mr. Mahan was born on April 28, 1939 in Worcester, MA., the son of John Mahan Sr. and Sylvia Ranieri. After graduation from Hamden CT. High School, he spent seven years in the United States Air Force as a Cryptanalyst. After that, he graduated from Worcester Junior College, received his BA in History from Clark University in Worcester and subsequently completed graduate work in Education at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA.

He spent a career as a Training and Education Specialist, first for the U.S. Census Bureau and then for the U.S. Army Engineer School, the Defense Mapping School and ended his government career as the Head of the Navy Drug and Alcohol Training and Education Program. He also worked for several private contractors and as a freelance writer and trainer. He worked for over 20 years as an instructor in Substance Abuse and Highway Safety for the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program and later as the Senior Case Manager at Chesapeake Bay ASAP in Virginia Beach, VA. He also did volunteer hospice work and volunteer work at several alcohol treatment centers.

He was a long time Red Sox and Redskins fan, as well as an American History buff, and he was devoted to his two dogs, Joey and Zuma.

His first marriage to Diane Dymek ended in divorce as did his second marriage to Sara (Sallie) Spurlock, however they remarried in 2008. He is survived by his son Dan and his family of New Bedford, MA; son Jay, Triangle, VA; and daughter Sara Mahan Danza and her family of Joshua Tree, CA; as well as nieces Elizabeth Marsh, Myrtle Beach, SC and Noel Baker, Windham, NH; and five grandchildren.

He wished to express his gratitude to both Diane and Sallie for all their support and for the blessings of his three grown children. He also expressed gratitude for the fellowship and friends in 12 Step Programs.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at Unity Renaissance Church, 1120 Eden Way N., Chesapeake, VA 23320 with a reception following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a contribution to the charity of your choice in memory of John.

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John Joseph Mahan Jr. Chesapeake – John Mahan, 78, died June 12, 2017 at Chesapeake Regional Hospital. Mr. Mahan was born on April 28, 1939 in Worcester, MA., the son of John Mahan Sr. and Sylvia Ranieri. After graduation from Hamden CT. High School, he spent seven years in the United States Air Force as…

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I have known John since my early 20's. I always enjoyed my conversations with him. John was a man of great intellect and equal sense of humor. You could have an intelligent conversation with him on virtually any subject. He may not have always agreed with opinion but always respected it and would give you his in a friendly, civilized manner. If the majority of our nation could do the same this would be a much better world. God Bless you John. You will be missed by many.

May all who knew and loved him find solace in remembering what a caring soul he was. I remember his light-heartedness and how he made me laugh in our few conversations at Alcohol Rehabilitation Center. My deepest sympathy and condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.

My condolences to the Mahan family. I had the privilege of getting to know John well at Pers-63. He was a kind and thoughtful man with a keen mind and a sharp wit.

To John's family, my deepest sympathy and condolences. John was a great friend and wonderful co-worker during our time together in Pers-63. Such a kind and gentle soul, with true compassion in his heart for those he sought to help who struggled with substance abuse. Rest in peace, my friend.

2. (Continued)...paws. John was a close friend to me and my family. He loved my grandchildren and shared time with them in teaching and play. He remembered their special days. He was my confidant, and he was my resource for information in our career field. He was intelligent, kind, caring and giving, had a great sense of humor and demonstrated a strong belief in God. He was a source of strength and inspiration for me and so many others. A most respected and loved man, professionally and personally, he is greatly missed. Love you John. I'll be seeing you. My sincere condolences to Sallie, Diane, Sara, Danny, Jay and all his family members and others who love him and are better for knowing him.

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John Mahan has moved on to a place that is sure to please him...and I can see him now, taking in the beauty of Paradise...enjoying nature in its vivid perfection with his cherished companion, Joey, his beloved Bearded Collie. John referred to Joey as his best friend. But John, in his later years, acquired affection for quite few friends with laws

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