Frank Mahady, 75, put antenna on top of World Trade Center
July 12, 2024
Francis Patrick Mahady of Murrells Inlet died July 1 at Embrace Hospice House in Myrtle Beach. He was 75.
Known as Frank, he was born Aug. 19, 1948, in New York, the son of Cyril and Mary Butler Mahady.
Mr. Mahady served in the Navy as a Seabee and was in active combat in Vietnam in 1968-69. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic Vietnam Campaign Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Combat Action Ribbon, Expert Rifle, and the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation with Gallantry Cross.
He went on to a career as a crane operator in New York. His biggest accomplishment, and proudest moment, came early when he placed the antenna on the North Tower of the World Trade Center in May 1979. He was equally devastated when he watched in person as both towers fell in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack.
He was married to the late Catherine Ruvolo Mahady and previously lived in New York and Rhode Island. Mr. Mahady enjoyed talking about his grandchildren, his time in the Navy, his work at the World Trade Center and the bridges in New York, and washing and waxing his car.
He was a member of the VFW Post 10420, the Surfside Moose Lodge 2351, Elks Lodge 2797, the American Legion Post 178, and the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 14-14B.
He is survived by his children, Philip Mahady of Frisco, Texas, Kate Marasco (Shawn) of Summerville, Beth Mahady of North Kingstown, R.I., and Brian Mahady of Poughkeepsie, N.Y.; his brothers, Thomas Mahady (Mary) of Boynton Beach, Fla., and Michael Mahady of Boca Raton, Fla.; and his grandchildren, Justin Marasco, Megan Marasco, Zachary Marasco and Kylie Mahady.
Two other brothers, John and Stephen Mahady, died before him.
A funeral service was held Tuesday at St. Bernard Church in North Kingstown, RI.
Memorials may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at dogood.t2t.org.
Condolences may be sent at burroughsfh.com.
