Frank J. Mahoney, retired band director
Frank J. Mahoney of Millsboro passed away Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes.
Frank was born in Philadelphia, Pa., Nov. 16, 1941, son of the late Frank J. Mahoney Sr. and the late Agnes (Connally) Mahoney. He was a graduate of La Salle College High School in Philadelphia, Pa. Frank then continued his formal studies by earning a bachelor of science degree in music education and a master’s degree in education from West Chester University, West Chester, Pa.
In 1965, Frank moved to Shamokin, Pa., and served as the band director for 17 years at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional High School. It was during his time in Shamokin that he met the love of his life, Jane Verano. In 1983, Frank and Jane married and moved to Millsboro, where he was employed by Indian River School District as a band director for 22 years, retiring in 2005.
After retiring, he continued to embrace his passion for music by arranging music for concerts, marching and big bands throughout the region. For 25 years, he served as the music arranger for Shepherd University Ram Band in West Virginia. He also loved performing as a woodwind player with local community theater groups, Salisbury University music organizations, Salisbury Community Band, and numerous bands throughout the Delmarva Peninsula. His exceptional talents led to an almost 20-year tenure as musical director for Delmarva Big Band.
Frank was equally known for losing himself in a good book, enjoying leisurely meals at local restaurants, his love of baked pies of all kinds at family holiday gatherings, and his ability to instantly make a friend out of a stranger. Although his lifelong love of music was at the core of his being, Frank will be remembered most of all for the impact he made on thousands of students who were lucky enough to have him as their teacher. He had the rare combination of exceptional musical knowledge and the ability to use his gifts and talents for the betterment of others. Frank guided, mentored, and taught with warmth, humor, and great care, also known as love.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Charles Verano. Frank is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Jane Verano Mahoney; mother-in-law, Florence Verano of Shamokin, Pa.; two cousins, Harry Woodcock and his wife Maryann of Plymouth Meeting, Pa., and John Woodcock and his wife Mary Kay of Lansdale, Pa.; two sisters-in-law, Linda Brennan and her husband Lee of Princeton Junction, N.J., and Susan Kovaleski and her husband Joseph of Lititz, Pa.; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, July 15, at the Long Neck Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 32013 Long Neck Road, Millsboro, where a prayer service will begin at 7:30 p.m. A visitation will also be held from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., Wednesday, July 16, at Mary Mother of Peace Catholic Church, 30839 Mt. Joy Road, Millsboro, where a Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:30 a.m. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, July 17, at All Saints’ Cemetery, 172 All Saints’ Road, Elysburg, Pa.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Frank’s name to Beebe Medical Foundation, 902 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958, beebehealthcare.org/donate.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting melsonfuneralservices.com.
