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.
Comments
8 responses to “McMahon Jr., John E.”
Dear Aunt Elsa & Erin-Kathleen,
What a beautiful tribute. I will remember him exactly as you’ve written; kind and gentle with the best laugh. You are both in our continued prayers.
With love,
Kim, Rich, Kendall and Luke
Dear Aunt Elsa and Erin Kathleen,
Our deepest condolences to you both. Uncle Jack was a special person known to be so kind and gentle. He will be missed in our hearts and always kept in our prayers.
God bless,
Paul, Kelly, Nicole, Dean, Laura, Julia, and Megan
Dear Elsa and Erin, My sincere condolences for Jack. He was a great man and a fun filled sitter for me many years ago. I can remember he and his friends were always at our house, and having no fun with cars and Uncle Danny. A kind man with that very special smile. I will always remember him with love, and a special place in my heart for you both❤️🙏
Dear Aunt Elsa and Erin,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you both.
We will always remember Uncle Jack for the kind, gentle man he was. He had such a calm demeanor and soothing voice. We will miss him.
Sending all our love.
Karen, Andy, Christopher, Katie and Taylor
Elsa,
So sorry to hear that Jack has passed on. He was a kind and friendly man and I always remember his welcoming smile. You, Erin-Kathleen and your family are in my prayers. May Jack rest in peace in God’s embrace.
Tim
Elsa and Erin-Kathleen, so sorry for your loss. I remember the many holidays shared with Jack and family at my parents’ home. He will be remembered and kept in our prayers. Take care. Allynn
Elsa and Erin-Kathleen, my condolences to you both for the passing of Jack. My parents deeply missed Jack’s brief “Manhattan” visits as the years passed. Now they are all together in paradise. It is certain the era is fading but not my memories of our family gatherings, celebrations and milestones which centered around the love and support Aunt Eileen and Uncle Chid extened to all Aunt Eileen’s siblings and their families. They were so very proud of each and every success of the nieces and nephews. May your memories of the special times shared with Jack fill your heart. Jack was my God Father and Jeanne my God Mother. I always thought that ironic as l was the one who had twins. Strange the way Gods plans pan out.
Elsa and Erin-Kathleen, my condolences to you both for the passing of Jack. My parents deeply missed Jack’s brief “Manhattan” visits as the years passed. Now they are all together in paradise. It is certain the era is fading but not my memories of our family gatherings, celebrations and milestones which centered around the love and support Aunt Eileen and Uncle Chid extened to all Aunt Eileen’s siblings and their families. They were so very proud of each and every success of the nieces and nephews. May your memories of the special times shared with Jack fill your heart. Jack was my God Father and Jeanne my God Mother. I always thought that ironic as l was the one who had twins. Strange the way Gods plans pan out.
Keeping you all in my prayers,
Susan