Cecil Robert Mahy

Cecil Robert Mahy, age 93, of Asheville North Carolina, passed away on the morning of October 20, 2020. He was born on November 23, 1926, in the British Channel Island of Guernsey, just off the coast of Normandy, France. His parents immigrated to the U.S. and raised Cecil in Morristown, NJ.

Upon graduating high school during the height of World War II, Cecil joined the Army. He did his basic training in the heat of Georgia and was deployed to the South Pacific. A critical month for Cecil was August of 1945. He and his company were assigned to deploy to sea on a troop ship. They were unaware of their destination, which was not at all unusual for most soldiers during the war.

After being at sea for a few weeks, the ship was ordered to return to port. On this return voyage the announcement was made to the crew detailing the bombings of Hiroshima on the 6th and Nagasaki on the 9th. It became clear to all what would be confirmed much later; they had been destined to join the forces in a full invasion of Japan had the flight of the Enola Gay not been successful.

Those tragic and historic nuclear events effectively ended the war with Japan and resulted in saving the lives of everyone on that ship, along with countless others. They were then dispatched for cleanup on Guam. During this process, Cecil and his two roommates were told to board up their hut due to an approaching storm. Instead, they decided to have a few beers to celebrate their good fortune and were soon scrambling from a typhoon. After the storm passed, they were quite pleased to see that their hut was the lone surviving one in the company.

On his return home Cecil secured a job repairing and installing antennas with Sears, where he befriended Eugene Berry. Gene soon introduced Cecil to his sister, Elizabeth. This was the second major turning point in his life. Elizabeth was an energetic, beautiful and newly arrived immigrant from Ireland. They fell in love and married on May 12, 1951. Betty, as she was known, became the eternal partner and driving force in the life of Cecil for the next 68 years of their marriage.

Cecil and Betty settled in Rockaway, N.J. and raised three children, Regina, Linda, and Russell. Due to his service in the war and the G.I. Bill, Cecil was able to pay for Jet School in Michigan, specializing in radar and communications technology. This set him on his career path to becoming the top radar and communications technician on Cessna aircraft for Aircraft Radio corporation in Boonton, N.J. His older brother Ron also joined Aircraft Radio and the families grew up together.

Cecil found relaxation in his garage with his neighbors, family and friends, working on anyone’s car that needed help. In that era, every car needed work, but it was clear that his repairs were fairly quick even though several ‘meetings’ lasted into the night. Cecil loved this and to his last day was the man to see about fixing anything.

Cecil survived a serious bout with Hepatitis when the children were very young. In 1972 he and Betty decided to relocate the family to the appealing climate of Seminole, Fl. Cecil’s aunt Cecile came to live with them, and they cared for her until her passing at 100 years old. Cecil and Betty were beyond excited to embrace their two granddaughters, Christina and Natalie. The girls were soon joined with the birth of their cousin Chase in Texas. Nothing could compare with the many magical days the grandchildren spent with their beloved Nana and Pop-pop in Florida, Texas and North Carolina.

Cecil and Betty moved to Asheville, N.C., where Cecil retired. They lived near their daughter Regina, and her husband, Ron, whom they regarded as a second son. Regina and Ron loved spending time with Betty and Cecil, and provided tremendous care for them for the rest of their lives. We lost Betty on Thanksgiving Day, 2019. Cecil was the most caring husband any woman could ever ask for, especially during her final years of painful decline. The birth in 2020 of their great granddaughter Cameron brought him great joy and peace. Cecil will be remembered for his strength, joy, devotion, and sincere kindness every day of his wonderful life.

Cecil is survived by his loving children Regina Mahy, Linda Mahy, Russell Mahy (Carolyn) and cherished grandchildren Christina Mahy, Natalie Humbel (Kevin), and Chase Muller. He is also survived by his sister Gertrude Kelly. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his brother Ronald Mahy, sister Joyce Hultz and sons-in-law Ronald Eason and James Muller.

A Life Celebration Service will be held at a later date. Cecil’s family would like to express their heartfelt and sincere gratitude for the compassion shown by the heros at Heather Glen of Ardenwoods and Four Seasons Hospice.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.