Celebrating the life of
Joseph Eugene Mahany
Passed away on June 03, 2026
Joseph Eugene Mahany, age 87, died on June 3, 2026, at home surrounded by his family.
Joe was born in Savannah in 1938 to Hugh G. “Flapper” Mahany (Frogtown area Savannah) and Freda Matthews Mahany (Black Creek, GA) and grew up in the Warren Square and Eastside sections of town. Joe had a great life with a remarkable memory of the many places and characters and events that made Savannah and the Islands unique and hilarious in the old days. When you live to 87, you outlive most of your friends and family, but Joe recounted their stories often and they bring a smile to our faces all the time. In these stories, they continue to live in our hearts. Joe was a failed alligator hunter, electrician’s apprentice, paper plant worker, dock worker, bricklayer, telephone lineman, banker, teacher, school counselor, school principal, government auditor, county politician, slowest race car driver on the planet, accountant, cattle rancher, Irish racehorse owner….and we might be missing a few. In all of these, he brought his own unique way and found great humor in every one of them. He is survived by Joan – his wife of 63 years; his sister; two sons and daughter-in-law; four grandchildren, and a few old friends who are grateful for his long life and the many, many laughs he leaves behind. He has our vote for greatest life ever lived….but of course, we are very biased.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist or Benedictine Military School.
Sending my condolences to the Mahany Family.
- Melody Norwood, Savannah, GA
Just heard that my close friend Joe had passed on to his rewards. My love goes to Joan and the family. Joe was a legend and will be remembered for ages. WELL DONE JOE!!!!!!
- Reginald C Haupt, Cumming, GA
Sorry to see that Joe has passed away. Truly a Savannah legend. Always enjoyed being around him. Prayers to Joan and family!
- Bob White, Greensboro , Ga
As I was pulling away from the tag office last year, a man yelled at me and said; "He was a great man!" I had thought this man had "lost it" when he pointed down at my bumper sticker on the back of my car! I knew who he was instantly then! He had seen my Father's bumper sticker which read, "Vote for Morriss Ellis!" We talked for a while and he told me how much he enjoyed working with my Daddy and I told him how much my Daddy liked him when he worked for him at The Tax Assessors Office. Such a nice man Joe was. Condolences to his wife and children. To me, he like my Daddy was a great man too!"
- Ellis-Riggs, Savannah, Georgia
It was twenty five or more years ago when I met Joe through our mutual love of horses. He was getting into ownership and called a few times to ask questions about owning one. We had great conversations about breeds, riding, equine health, you name it and I hoped that I steered him in the right direction in those early days. What a full life Joe lived and experienced, and with an Irish racehorse (or any horse) in it he was truly a blessed man.
- Julia J. Williams, Isle of Hope, Georgia
Prayers for family. So sorry, Jeff. We love and miss you
- Ann Savage, Savannah, GA
So very sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Mahany. In the Irish tradition he could tell a great story. Never an empty chair next to him. My condolences to Mrs. Mahany and family.
- Walter Dimmick, Savannah, GA
Just an amazing and gentle man, except that one time in 6th Grade Basketball at Sacred Heart but we shall let that pass. To that end you left out volunteer grade school basketball coach & Boy Scout Leader as I recall. You also left out late night Kevin Barry's Singing Duo with Dr, Jurgenson. We will miss you greatly Mr. Mahany. Slán Abhaile Coach!
- Butch, MaryGrace, Matthew and EJ Elmgren, Smyrna, GA
I'll never forget his entertaining “speeches” and recollections. I will always appreciate that he was a great second father to Beth. I'm glad I got to celebrate my 70th birthday with him. He will be missed.
- Lynn Day, Port Royal, SC
Joan, Jeff and all of the family, Kathryn & I were sorry to see that Joe had passed away. I had many good times with Joe while serving on the County Commission. Joe was the Chair and I was the Vice Chair. We didn't always agree on everything, but I had a real respect for Joe. He will be missed by many people. We pray that God will wrap his arms around all of the family and give you peace.
- Frank & Kathryn Murray, Pembroke, GA
The Mahany Family, including LaMama and Laddydaddy, are some of my favorite people. I feel so fortunate to know Joe and Beth - and as a result to know Joe Sr and Joan. Lovely, lovely people. He was such a big personality and such a joy to be around. xoxo
- leah vaughan, Decatur, GA
My condolences to the Mahany family. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Joe during my 25 years with Chatham County. May your many happy memories help put a smile on your faces in the days and weeks ahead.
- Marguerite Page, Buford, GA
A candle has been lit!
I remember when Joe was running for County Commissioner and the election was the next day. I saw him at a distance in his boat and yelled the following: "Captain Joe, Are you going to win tomorrow?" He yelled back to me: "I'm in it Herb, of course I'm going to win!" He won the next day and I was so very happy. What a great man!!! He will be missed. I'm so sorry for your loss.
- Stephen Herb, Savannah, Ga.
Sarai I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your brother. You are in my thoughts and prayers-Marie
- Marie Purser, Adairsville , GA
Joan, My love and prayers are with you. Take Care, Susan
- Susan Hill, Savannah, GA
It was an honour and a pleasure for us to meet Joe (and Joan) on our visit to Savannah, Georgia some years ago. We had a fun time and it was especially amusing when we were proudly taken by Joe to various pubs through the back door on St Patricks Day. We were delighted when he visited us here in Waterford, Ireland and we were thrilled to show him around locally. He seems to have tried his hand at many things during his lifetime. We know he will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Our sincere sympathies to his wife Joan, sons Jeff and Joe, all his grandchildren including Helen and Joe whom we've met. We are thinking of you at this very sad time. May you all live in the same spirit as this lovely gentleman. May Joe Rest in Peace.
- Pat and Catherine Flynn, Ballingara, Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Waterford, Ireland
A candle has been lit!
Yesterday when I was telling the story about Joe running for County Commissioner I forgot to say how much I love the Mahany family. Mrs. Mahany taught me math at Nativity. My older brother Dee grew up with Joe and I grew up with Jeff. I have so many Jeff Mahany stories but decorum prevents me from mentioning them at this time. However, I will say this. I am honored to call Jeff Mahany my friend. God Bless!!!
- Stephen Herb, Savannah, Ga.
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200