Dennis Bernard Mahon

Military veteran, accomplished musician and devoted husband Dennis B. Mahon passed away peacefully on October 1, 2026, at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center. Edie, the love of his life, and Susan, his devoted sister, were at his side. Born in Passaic, New Jersey, Dennis built a life full of faith, service, music and joy. Professionally, he was an Air Force veteran who served his country for 22 years and spent an additional 22 years at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Creatively, he played drums, keyboard and bass for 40+ years on stages around the world. Personally, he helped people laugh and made them feel at home wherever he went. In 1982, Dennis and his close friend Bob Crooks joined the United States Air Force together on the Buddy System. High school friend Don Garland joined with them. Over two-plus decades Dennis was stationed in New Mexico, Korea, the Philippines, Japan and Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. He retired in 2004 as a Master Sergeant (E-7) at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson. He served as an on-the-job trainer and supervisor, completed NCO Leadership School and earned the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Air Force Achievement Medal. His decorations also included the National Defense Service Medal, two Good Conduct Medals and two Outstanding Unit Awards. Dennis’ second career was as a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, where he served from March 8, 2004, until October 1, 2026. He worked as a government liaison representative and records manager, ensuring compliance with meticulous government reporting standards. His wonderful humor was reflected in his NASA career explanation with the oft-used lyric from Elton John’s “Rocket Man”: “All this science, I don’t understand. It’s just my job five days a week.” Music was the theme that ran through all of Dennis’ life. He got his first drum set at age five, and from then on, music simply lived in him. He was entirely self-taught. Drums were his expertise. Keyboards, bass and lead vocals all came to him by ear and instinct, a gift no lesson could have given him. He played in cover bands throughout his military years and continued his entire life. While stationed in Okinawa from 1994 to 2001, he played festivals such as Peaceful Love and American Fest with his bands Pavlov’s Dogs and Cry Wolf. Dennis was a devoted fan of progressive rock, and the prog community became a second home. In Southern California, he played with The Great Deceivers, a King Crimson tribute band, and spent years performing the music of King Crimson and UK. Fans heard him at late-night shows on Cruise to the Edge, at PROGstock in New Jersey and at Prog on the Ranch in Brooksville, Florida. In the fall of 2022, he formed Nevermore, a UK tribute band, serving as its leader, lead vocalist and bass player. That November, he was invited to perform alongside international musicians at the first Eddie Jobson fan convention. Dennis’ musical sound and style most closely resembled that of Asia’s John Wetton, whom he greatly admired and had the pleasure of getting together with many times. Dennis sang Wetton’s “After All” at his mother’s and in-laws’ funerals. Friendship mattered even more in his life. In 1987, a tight-knit group of friends, several of whom had attended Hudson Hawk Elementary School in Tempe, met up in San Diego and founded the Catamaran Compilation Club. The CCC grew to 11 members and gathered 26 times all over North America. “DMan” never missed a single one. His friends elected him The Grand Poobah, entrusting him with the honor of breaking the group’s tie votes. Dennis was brilliant and wise in a way that went beyond intelligence. He could figure out how to do almost anything, and once he set his mind to something, it got done. Yet he never made anyone feel small. His quick wit and warm smile put people at ease, and his kindness and generosity made everyone around him feel welcome and valued. He also had a soft spot for animals, which his family honors in his memory. For Dennis, family mattered most. At the center of his life was Edie. They married at the courthouse on February 19, 1993, and again in church on May 1, 1993. Over 33 years of marriage they weathered life’s storms together and built a beautiful life side by side, travelling the world and spending countless weekends at their favorite spot on Coronado Island. Dennis is survived by his adoring wife, Edie Ann Mahon; his sisters, Margaret Ellen Mahon Willhite and Susan M. Mahon-Coburn; and his brothers, Michael F. Mahon, Jr. and Kevin P. Mahon, along with their spouses and his beloved pup Faith. He also leaves his treasured nieces and nephews and their families, and the many great-nieces and great-nephews who brought him such joy. He was preceded in death--as a cherished son--by his parents, Michael F. Mahon, Sr. and Helen Doris Jago Mahon; his maternal grandmother, Helen Hannigan Jago; his infant sisters, Mary and Michelle; and his dear friend Bob Crooks. For more than half a century, Dennis kept time for the rest of us: on stage, in uniform and around every table where friends and family gathered. The beat goes on in everyone he loved. Our lives are blessed, and so much more enriched, for having known and spent time with him. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to any Humane Society or animal shelter of your choice, in honor of Dennis’ love for animals. With sincere thanks to George Pobedinsky, Organist, and Holly Santiago, Cantor, for their gift of music. The Communion Reflection, After All, a treasured recording of Dennis, is especially meaningful. After the service, please join us for a Celebration of Life Reception! 1120 W Glendale St, West Covina Edie and the entire Mahon family are deeply grateful for the love and support they have received. At the Celebration of Life, please share your stories, memories and funny moments of Dennis. He would have loved hearing them. "And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13