Eric Thomas Mahoney

Eric Thomas Mahoney passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at home in Jacksonville, Florida at the age of 27.

He was born in DeLand, Florida on June 17, 1997 to James Joseph and Diane Elizabeth (Shepherd) Mahoney. Eric grew up in Orange City and attended public schools in the Volusia County area. He was a 2019 graduate of the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, having received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the institution. Following his education, he worked as a probation officer in Jacksonville and DeLand, and later as a police officer for the Orange City Police Department. He finished his career working at an electronics retailer with his longtime friend, Nate Wells.

Eric was a Catholic and served as an altar boy as a child. He loved animals, having spent a considerable amount of his time cherishing his many pets, which ranged over the years from fish and guinea pigs to tortoises, and puppies. He had a lifelong affinity for cars, having worked on project cars since his teenage years. His commitment to physical fitness was another major part of his life, having functioned as a source of both health and community.

Surviving him are his parents, James and Diane Mahoney of Orange City; his brothers, Kevin James Mahoney and his wife Ariel of Tampa, Stephen Kenneth Mahoney and Timothy Scott Mahoney of Orange City; his godmother, Patricia “Auntie Pat” Lotsey of Orange City; his grandmother, Marilyn Louise Shepherd of Port Orange; 18 aunts and uncles; 23 first cousins; 16 additional cousins; and countless friends.

Visiting hours will be at the Lankford Funeral Home (220 E New York Ave, DeLand, FL 32724) on February 11 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and again from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., followed by a funeral mass at St. Peter Catholic Church, DeLand on February 12 at 10 a.m. Burial at Hollywood Cemetery in Orange City will follow the mass. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the ASPCA (PO Box 96929, Washington, DC 20090-6929) in recognition of Eric’s love for animals.