On August 17, 2024, at the age of 85, John E. McMahon, Jr. (Jack), went peacefully into eternal rest. Jack was predeceased by parents John Emmett and Kathryn McMahon, twin sister Jeanne (Kazmarek), and younger brother William. He is survived by loving and devoted wife Elsa, cherished daughter Erin-Kathleen, and numerous other family members and friends.
While both were college undergraduates, Jack met Elsa at the wedding of her cousin. They had their first date on New Year’s Eve, and he continued to drive fifty miles on a regular basis to continue those dates. Favorite pastimes included watching movies, taking walks, being in nature, and enjoying evenings of dinner and dancing. They married in 1963 and recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary.
Jack graduated from St. John Fisher College with a BS in accounting and later obtained an MBA in taxation from Golden Gate University. He enlisted in officer training with the United States Air Force and served 6 ½ years in the Air Force Reserves.
As an enrolled treasury agent, Jack began his career with the IRS. Having been trained in advanced corporation tax law, he audited corporations, estate trusts, and exempt organizations. He then became senior accountant and manager of tax compliance and audit for Xerox Corporation, where he managed all West Coast corporations and divisions. During his career, he maintained several close friendships and enjoyed attending company family outings and sporting events.
While in Rochester, Jack served on the Board of Directors for the Rochester Shakespeare Company. He also co-founded the Crosman Terrace Neighborhood Association, changing the building code for the street to residential only. He enjoyed being an active member of his community and served for several years in the Legion of Mary as well as the Knights of Columbus. He contributed to the purchase of the Book of Kells facsimile at Lavery Library at St. John Fisher, where he was a proud supporter of the Irish Studies Program.
Jack was a very kind and gentle man, who loved to laugh. He was devoted to his faith and always had a rosary in his pocket. Serving in prison ministry, Jack followed his belief in the need to support and take care of those in need. He loved spending time with people, with the conviction that every new face was that of a potential new friend.
Celebration of his life and Funeral Mass will occur on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 10 a.m. at St. John of Rochester, 8 Wickford Way, in Fairport. There are no prior calling hours, at the request of the family.
In lieu of flowers, please smile, hug a loved one, and do a random act of kindness in Jack’s honor.
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