Kenneth R. Mahan Bio
Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at 25, writer Kenneth R. Mahan
(1959-2003) survived the lung disease until his 44th year: That’s about a decade longer than most people who contract cystic fibrosis live to. The U.S. Navy veteran and 1981 Providence College graduate, in fact, raged against the dying of the light long enough to mature as a writer and to attract a small – but devoted – literary following.
His Outside the Box column in Providence Monthly was always eagerly awaited. A humor/treatise he wrote on clam cakes was so-beloved it was read at his own funeral. Then there were the hilarious Dennis the Menace parodies – which could have never been published without incurring a federal lawsuit!
The Pawtucket, R.I. native was also known for his guitar playing and vocals and performed with a local group, The Felbs.
From his friends to his fellow workers at United Way - where the hard-driven writer was also employed until shortly before his death – Mahan was known for his wit, loyalty and kindness of character.
He was an emotionally strong person and just about the best friend anyone could hope to have.
It’s three years since his death.
Mahan is still missed and remembered.
Though his parents Richard and Maureen have long passed, he is survived by his younger brother, Ronald Mahan of Pawtucket.