In September of 1983, Jon and his bright red hair came into this world. His parents Gilda and Brian were ecstatic, and his big sister Melissa warmed up eventually.

He grew up on Henry Street, part of a neighborhood where children rode their bikes until the street lights came on. He went sledding in the winter, played hide-and-seek in the summer…and no matter the time of year, would come home to Mom’s tacos and spaghetti.

In 2002, our Nintendo-loving boy set out to make it official, receiving a Computer Science degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in 2005.

In 2012, Jon met Sarah. They adventured the world together photographing birds and found they understood each other like no other.

In San Francisco and Los Angeles, the Mahoney clan adopted Jon as one of their own. In Winchester, the Walshes fed them Thanksgiving dinners year-round (yes, even in July).

In 2015, Jon and Sarah brought us to a garden of wildflowers to say “I do.” We were serenaded by Jon’s nephew Isaac, and they presented a cheese tower that no one will ever forget.

Jon was also known as Uncle Jon. He played cars with Clark, pet cats with Bryce, and befriended all of Sophie’s stuffed animals. He entertained Calypso and Orion with tickles, jokes, and hugs on vacations. To Isaac, he was always more of a friend than an uncle – from the very beginning, Isaac bonded with Jon and would make him special “brunches.” When the kids got a bit older, Jon played video games with them.

2018 – and here comes Elodie. This one is hard to write about because Jon loved his daughter beyond measure. He read to her in funny voices, popped her up on stools to bake cakes, and taught her how to be gentle and kind.

Late last year, Jon was diagnosed with cancer. He fought like hell but was hospitalized in May. In the hospital, he laughed at old memories, played board games, and had an ice cream party.

Jon said, “It feels wrong given what I’m putting everyone through, but I feel very happy.” He let go on a sunny morning held by the people who loved him.

Jon, a lover of computers and small animals, has requested donations be made in his honor to either the Electronic Frontier Foundation or the Mass Audubon Society.

My brother lived by the campsite rule – “leave it better than you found it.” He imprinted his sweet nature upon all of us, and we are better for it. Carry on his legacy by shining light and love into the lives of those around you. 

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