- October 1, 2024
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Former PCFD firefighter Zachary Mahaney, 43, died on Sept. 26, 2024. Photo courtesy of the Palm Coast Fire Department
Zachary Mahaney with the Sumter County Fire Rescue. Courtesy of Christopher Gabriel
Zachary Mahaney with the Palm Coast Fire Department. Courtesy of Christopher Gabriel
Former Palm Coast Fire Department firefighter Zachary Mahaney died on Sept. 26, 2024.
Mahaney, 43, was a PCFD firefighter from July 2023 to June 2024, and had over 10 years of firefighter experience. Neither Mahaney’s family nor the PCFD disclosed details about Mahaney’s death.
Mahaney is survived by his wife Cassandra, his two children Noah and Ophelia, and his parents, Rhonda and Robert Mahaney. Mahaney’s brother-in-law Christopher Gabriel said Mahaney dedicated to his children and wife, and he loved being a firefighter.
“He was just a genuine guy,” Gabriel said. “He was very family oriented.”
In a statement from the PCFD, Lt. Patrick Juliano said they are all “heartbroken to learn of Zach’s passing.”
“Zach’s smile and personality could light up a room,” Juliano wrote. “He was an admired husband, loving father, friend and brother to all those who he met.”
Before coming to the PCFD, Mahaney spent 12 years at the Sumter County Fire Rescue, where he earned the rank of lieutenant. After graduating with his Firefighter Certification in 2009, Mahaney spent time over the next 10 years earning his EMT Certification, Paramedic Certification an associate degree in emergency medicine and his bachelor’s degree in emergency management.
“Our hearts are broken for his wife, two children and his parents,” Juliano wrote. “As well as all his brothers and sister of the fire service who lovingly revered him.”
Mahaney was a creative man of many interests, Gabriel said: he was a talented golfer and a musician who performed at local restaurants (including the one where he met his wife, Cassandra). He knew a wealth of information on a variety of topics.
Most importantly, Gabriel said, Mahaney made his sister happy.
“The quality I loved most about was he made my sister happy,” Gabriel said. “She shined around him.”
A celebration of life ceremony for Mahaney will be held from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Oceanside Beach Bar & Grill, at 1848 S. Oceanshore Blvd. For more information about Mahaney and the service, visit www.heritageflagler.com/obituaries/Zachary-Mahaney/#!/Obituary.
