Date of Death: March 29, 2026
Service Details
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church, 215 N. Main Street, Three Rivers, Michigan, 49093, where friends may begin gathering at 10:30 AM. The service will be officiated by Pastor Heather Nowak of the church. You will be invited to share your favorite memory of Robert’s life.
Obituary Notice
Robert J. Mahoney Jr.
June 3, 1940 – March 29, 2026
THREE RIVERS, MICHIGAN – Robert J. Mahoney Jr., residing in Sturgis, Michigan, passed away Sunday, March 29, 2026 at The Orchards Skilled Nursing Facility in Three Rivers, Michigan.
Robert was born on June 3, 1940 in South Bend to the late Robert J. Mahoney and the late Phyllis Irene (Pruett) Mahoney. He graduated in 1961 from Our Lady of the Lake Seminary in Syracuse, Indiana with an Associates of Arts in Classical Languages degree. He then went to St. Mary’s Seminary & University in Baltimore, Maryland where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in 1963 prior to being ordained as a Catholic priest by the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend in 1967. After becoming a priest, Robert received a Bachelor of Arts in Music at St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana in 1979. From there he served as a priest in several parishes in northern Indiana. After two decades serving the church and its congregants, Robert chose a pathway to assist people with alcohol and drug addiction, ultimately obtaining his Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and Assessment and Referral Management Specialist credentials from the Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals. Robert assisted numerous individuals in achieving sobriety and restoring their quality of life. Robert was an accomplished musician, performing the piano and organ during both his work for the Catholic church and during his years as a counselor. Robert was the pianist and organist for numerous churches throughout Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan, most recently and for decades at the First United Methodist Church in Three Rivers, Michigan.
Robert is survived by his sister Kathleen Mahoney of Mishawaka, Indiana; his nieces Susan Henry of St. Joseph, MI, Patricia Henry of South Bend, IN, Shannon Kilpatrick of North Augusta, SC and Jennifer Prawat of Mishawaka, IN; nephews Dennis (Cheryl) Henry of Greenwood, IN, Robert (Melinda) Evans of South Bend, IN, Timothy (Michaele) Henry of Marcellus, MI, John (Kimberly) Barth of Hoover, AL, Travis (Holli) Henry of Decatur, MI, Brian (Melissa) Mahoney of Indianapolis, IN, Bradley Mahoney of Denver, CO and Brent Mahoney of Sarasota, FL; along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and other family members in Ohio, North Carolina and Nevada. Robert was preceded in death by his father Robert J. Mahoney, mother Phyllis I. Mahoney, sister Maureen Harris, sister Melanie Barth, and brother Kevin Mahoney.
Robert was entrusted to Hohner Funeral Home in Three Rivers, Michigan for cremation services.
Additional Information
Memorial contributions may be given to the First United Methodist Church, 215 N. Main Street, Three Rivers, Michigan 49093, Three Rivers Health Homecare and Hospice, 711 S. Health Parkway, Three Rivers, Michigan 49093, or The Orchards Skilled Nursing Facility, 55378 Wilbur Road, Three Rivers, Michigan 49093.
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Sorry to learn of Bob’s passing. He was a dedicated member of the counseling team at Myrtle treatment center in Sturgis and later Dowagiac. He returned to Sturgis afterwards and served as an outpatient counselor for Community Healing Centers.
Bob was a compassionate man who had the ability to make you laugh even during tough times. It was a privilege to know him.
I first met Father Bob over a lovely lunch at Mary Hoffman’s home. Life throws a lot of stuff at us and just because we become clergy or are Christian doesn’t mean life throws any less our way. Faith in God is a life and spiritual practices that help us cope, get clarity and see more clearly the stuff life throws at us. Father Bob and I connected over the stuff life throws at those audacious enough to answer the call to ordained ministry. After that lunch, it became clear that Father Bob needed to express his faith by serving at Three Rivers in music ministry again. What he didn’t know is that the church needed him to come back and play as much as he needed the church. As pastor I just needed to collaborate with the movement of the Holy Spirit with an understanding that God’s got it. In my pastorate at Three Rivers FUMC we were blessed by two amazing organists/pianists and Father Bob was top notch. A treasure beyond measure. My prayers are with his niece and family, as well as with the beautiful people of Three Rivers First. I will always remember his wit & wisdom. I thank Hod our paths crossed. I am a better clergy person as a result of knowing Father Bob. Thank you God for intersecting our paths. Peace be.
I have so many cherished memories of Bob. He was a member of the best work family a human could hope for, at Community Healing Centers, Anything I write seems inadequate to express how dear he was. You enlivened our lives Bob, rest well.
Kathleen, very sorry to hear about Bobby. He married Cheryl and i 53 years ago and i have many happy memories of him and your family from my childhood. May God grant you and your whole family peace.
Bob was one of my favorite people who I got to know more and better over the past 20+ years as his piano technician. I will dearly miss his upbeat and loving greetings for my regular visits to his home. He was an inspiration in his devotion to Our Lady and to helping people. Getting to know him was one of the treasures of my life and career. May he rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon him 🙏♥️
Father Bob was a loved and cherished music maker for all of us. His loyalty and sense of humor will be remembered and missed. Rest in peace, sweet man!
I remember an afternoon spent with Father Bob at Susan’s lake house in Michigan. It was a lot of fun.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Henry family in memory of “Uncle” Bob.
The family has our deepest sympathy on the loss of Father Bob. I met Bob a decade ago when I hired him as my pianist & organist at First United Methodist Church. Bob & I had a long lasting friendship. He was an accomplished musician & could play anything I put in front of him. He brought cheer & laughter to my choir’s every rehearsal. He was loved by everyone. He Never said or thought a cruel thing. He will surely be missed by all, but I especially will miss him. He was an amazing man to know & work with. Love you my friend!
I have years of fond memories from our paths crossing when Fr. Bob worked at Myrtle House residential rehabilitation center in Sturgis. He was always a bright spot of any time I interacted with him. His caring nature and commitment to help anyone wishing to shake the grip of addiction will be remembered and cherished by too many to count. Thank you, Father, for this loving & kind servant.