John David Mahaffy

Boonville - John David Mahaffy, 94, of Potato Hill Road. An iconic illustrator and painter of North Country scenes and husband of Marjorie, he passed away at his residence on Sunday, December 19, 2021, while under the loving care of his wife, and hospice. John David was born in Syracuse on September 3, 1927, a son of John T. and Grayce Alexander Mahaffy. As a youth he moved to Boonville with his family, settling on Echo Lake Road, where he grew up. He attended Boonville Central School, graduating with the Class of 1945. He was a man who loved everything about his heritage, his life, his family, and the arts. To know him was to love him. John never had an unkind word to say about anyone. He marveled at every aspect of life. On July 31, 1945, John enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving his country in WW II and was honorably discharged on August 26, 1946. On November 17, 1950, he was recalled to service in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard USS Bradford, in the area of Korea, during the Korean Conflict. On August 7, 1951, John David was honorably discharged from the Navy. Mr. Mahaffy studied at the famous Pratt Institute and the New York School for Fine and Applied Art., earning his degree in the arts. Following college, he worked as an illustrator for John Radear Advertising in NYC, living in Brooklyn for seven years before returning home. He then worked for The Willard Press and Boonville Graphics, both of Boonville. He was co-founder of North Country Books and was the illustrative artist for countless books. John was also the illustrator and printer of programs for major Boonville events such as the Boonville Oneida County Fair, Woodsmen's Field Days and Winter Carnival Snow Festival. As a young man he designed and painted the four colorful murals depicting scenes of history in early Boonville years. The murals remain to this day as part of the Hulbert House. While engaged in the aforementioned creative endeavors, Mr. Mahaffy was famous in the production of his sketches and water color paintings of North Country scenes, landmark buildings and social events such as concerts in the Boonville village square. John was gifted in all media, from paint to pen and ink, to chalk and beyond. His style was as unique as the little town he so often portrayed. In May, 1953, John David was married to Theresa Louzon, in Boonville. She passed away on October 24, 1960. On June 30, 1962, he was married to Joyce Presta, at the First Presbyterian Church of Boonville, with whom he had two beloved children. She passed away on December 16, 1996. On March 17, 2001, he married Marjorie Capron, at the First Presbyterian Church of Boonville. Surviving is one son John (Marcia) Mahaffy, Elbridge, NY; one daughter Susan (Jack Krambuhl) Mahaffy, Boonville, step-daughter, Catherine Roberts, Boonville, and grandchildren Kelsey and Evan Roberts; brother, Charles Mahaffy, Boonville, sister and brother-in-law Mary Jane (Richard) Ulrich, Boonville. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews and his cousin, Jerry Buckley. A special thanks to friend, Eric Wojahn, for his support to the family over the years. John is predeceased by his parents; his first wife Terri Mahaffy, second wife Joyce Mahaffy, brother Richard Mahaffy, and nephew Charles Mahaffy. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Memorial Service, at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at 1:00 P.M. at The First Presbyterian Church of Boonville. Interment will be in the spring, in Boonville Cemetery. There are no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to Boonville Fire Company Ambulance Fund, PO Box 164, Boonville, NY 13309. His arrangements are in care of Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville.