NATICK: Chester W. Mahon, age 94, a retired mechanical engineer and World War II Navy veteran, died on November 1, 2014. He was the devoted husband of the late Alida (Campbell) Mahon.
Born, raised, and educated in Fall River, Chet was a son of the late James and Florence (Savory) Mahon. He continued his education with Brown and Sharpe and worked as a tool designer prior to joining the Navy in 1944. He served as a Fire Controlman throughout the remainder of World War II, primarily in the Pacific Theatre.
Chet and Alida were married in 1944, and settled in Natick where they raised their family. Chet continued with his career as a mechanical engineer, and after several years with AML Engineering he began work with Itek, then a major defense contractor. His successes with Itek were many, among them developing the camera lens used aboard the U2 aircraft and, more recently, serving on the imaging team responsible for the camera system employed on the Viking orbiters trips to Mars.
Having crafted miniature furniture for years, Chet pursued this interest with fervor after his retirement. He became proficient in restoring antique miniatures for dollhouses and often fashioned his own in wood or metal. He became quite well known for his intricate work and suddenly found himself in the midst of a second career. He repaired and renovated dollhouses and miniature furnishings sent to him from all over the country. Damaged parts of carousels would also be shipped to him from far and wide for his intricate doctoring. A true craftsman, he stopped at 91 when he felt he could not meet his own standard of quality workmanship. Chet enjoyed the love and affection of his large family and spent his mornings happily with a group of longtime friends over coffee. He also played and followed golf.
Predeceased by Alida in 2000, he is survived by two daughters, Linda Tomasetti and husband Skip of Natick, Charlotte Farnsworth and husband Curt of Bolton; a son, Edward Mahon of Framingham; six grandchildren, Alida, Christina, Linda, Miguel, Catherine, and Sonia; and nine great-grandchildren, Sara, Katherine, Danielle, Steven, Samantha, Nathan, Anthony, Emma, and Annabel. He was also the brother of the late John and Bertha.
His Services will be held in the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street at Natick Common, on Friday, Nov. 7th at 10:30AM. Relatives and friends may visit with the family beginning at 9:00AM. Interment with military honors will follow at Glenwood Cemetery.
Donations may be made in Chet’s name to the Natick VNA, 209 West Central Street, Natick, MA 01760.