Philip J. Mahoney

Philip J. Mahoney, 95

Longtime City of Fitchburg treasurer

The family of Philip Joseph Mahoney of Fitchburg is saddened to announce his passing on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the age of ninety-five.

He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Winifred (Hopkins) Mahoney, of Fitchburg, his sons Timothy J. Mahoney, of Somerville, and David J. Mahoney, of Cambridge, and by his daughter in law, Nicole (L’Ecuyer) Mahoney and granddaughters Mary E. Mahoney and Elizabeth J. Mahoney of Fitchburg. He was predeceased by his son, Philip W. Mahoney, and by his parents and sister. He also leaves three nieces, a nephew, and several cousins.

Philip was born in Fitchburg on September 19, 1929 to Philip J. Mahoney, Sr. and Mary M. (O’Connor) Mahoney. Philip attended Saint Bernard’s Elementary School, then graduated from Saint Bernard’s High School in 1948. In 1951, he was inducted in the United States Army. After training, he served in Germany, assigned to the Army Security Agency.

Upon his discharge in 1953, Philip enrolled at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial administration as a member of the Class of 1957. He worked for General Motors in Framingham after college. In 1961, he joined Dennison Manufacturing Co. in Marlboro.

In 1972, Philip returned to his hometown, when he was appointed treasurer and tax collector of the City of Fitchburg, a position he held until his retirement in 1996. During his long tenure, he had a significant impact on the city’s financial stability. He was particularly proud of his role in securing the financing that funded the city’s two wastewater treatment plants, new police and fire stations, and a new high school.

He was a long-term member of the board of directors of the Fitchburg Municipal Employees Federal Credit Union, first in his role as city treasurer and then as a volunteer in his retirement. He served as the credit union’s chairman of the board during the 2000s, and worked to complete its merger with Webster First Federal Credit Union in 2011.

Phil relished traveling with his wife Freddie and his family, especially to his ancestral home of Ireland. He enjoyed working in his garden and learning about history, and in his later years he was proudly engaged in his granddaughters’ activities. He was an active skier in his youth, and a golfer throughout his life, often enjoying rounds with his sons.

Philip’s family would like to thank the staffs of UMass Memorial HealthAlliance Clinton Hospital (Leominster Campus), Visiting Angels of Leominster, and The Highlands of Fitchburg for their compassionate care in the last months of his life.

Calling hours will be held at the Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. A funeral mass will follow at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at St. Bernard Parish at St. Camillus de Lellis Church, 333 Mechanic Street, Fitchburg, Mass. Burial will be at St. Bernard’s Cemetery, Fitchburg.

The family encourages memorial contributions to St. Bernard's High School (ATTN: Kelly Jennison, 45 Harvard St. Fitchburg, MA 01420) or online at https://stbernardshighschool.org/memorial-giving.