One of the charter members of the New Jersey Wrestling Hall of Fame Executive Committee, Dan Mahony, passed on April 27, 2017. Dan, a good friend to many, was a long time wrestling official, former high school wrestling head coach both in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, wrestling enthusiast, and a mentor to many wrestling officials, both young and old. Dan’s reputation in New Jersey was personified by his role in many leadership positions not limited to President of the Union/Essex Chapter of wrestling officials, President of the New Jersey Wrestling Officials Association, and numerous related positions where many a member gleaned knowledge and experience on the mat as a result of his stewardship and commitment to excellence.
When the New Jersey Chapter was in its neophyte stages, Dan was recruited for membership and soon assumed the daunting task as Chair for the nominations committee which was charged with exploring the names and accomplishments of individuals whose background in wrestling merited consideration, candidacy, and eventual nomination for NJHOF induction. As chair of the nominations committee for several years, Dan’s commitment to detail and service maximized the level of integrity he maintained in the process for identifying the best individuals who personified everything the National and New Jersey Chapter Hall of Fame requires.
Dan Mahony will long be remembered for his contributions to the sport of wrestling, but more importantly, for his friendship and fellowship to all those who had the pleasure of knowing him and calling him friend. He is survived by his wife Kathie, a daughter Margie, sons Dan Jr., Kevin, and 5 grandchildren.