Joseph Patrick McMahon

On January 13th, Mary, his bride of 51 years woke up, kissed Joe, as was their custom and went to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee. Upon returning to the bedroom, Mary realized that Joe had quietly passed into the loving arms of our Lord.

Joe was known to Mary as “Honey Bunny”, to his children “dad”, to his grand and great grandchildren “Opa” and to his friends, simply “Joe”.

As a young man, Joe’s life led him to a small town in Puerto Rico where he ministered to the poor while immersing himself in the Spanish language. One day upon returning to Baltimore, Joe’s eyes fell upon a stunning, petite Irish lass named Mary Catherine Johnson. Although Mary wasn’t initially interested in Joe, she was mesmerized by his piercing baby blue eyes, his kindness but most of all, his easy-going nature. Soon thereafter, Mary and Joe married and had a family of 2 daughters, Mary, Jean and a son, John.

Joe’s thirst for knowledge was endless, earning him a plethora of academic degrees. His entry into the business world led him to Law Enforcement where he graduated from the Baltimore Police Academy. Joe graduated first in his class and was selected for the honor of “Top Cop” but Joe humbly refused the award and instead, asked that the award be bestowed upon a fellow classmate. This was the selfless, kind Joe everyone got to know and love. After leaving the police force, Joe applied for a position at CSX Railroad and began climbing the corporate ladder. His new position led the family to Jacksonville, Florida. During his time at CSX Joe earned a Masters degree in Security Management and finally in 2008, much to Mary’s joy, Joe retired from CSX as Superintendent of CSX – Jacksonville Division. After retiring Joe was recruited to teach Criminal Justice classes at the college level. For well over 50 years Mary and Joe remained active in parish activities, Marriage Ministry, Engaged Encounter, adult Confirmation classes, CHRP and PREP just to name a few.

Joe enjoyed all sports. When he was a young boy, he was drawn to ice hockey. Although the coaches told him that he was not a good skater, it did not stop Joe. He practiced and worked hard and earned the goalie position. Joe enjoyed playing golf with his St. Joseph’s buddies and was always seen cheering loudly for his grandchildren at their basketball, football and baseball games. He was an avid professional and college fan. Whether the team won or lost, Joe would find positive things to say.

The word “NO” did not exist in Joe’s vocabulary. His innate drive to help friends and even strangers was incredible. His all-encompassing smile, his gentle listening skill, his ability to immediately place someone at ease, his compassion but most of all, his integrity knew no bounds. If you had a birthday, anniversary, new birth, graduation or were not feeling up to snuff, a card would arrive in your mailbox from Joe and Mary. Joe made it a habit of writing each name and occasion on a calendar and each month would purchase the cards applicable to that month. Joe had a sense of adventure…of course peppered with Mary’s gentle nudging. It was Fire Prevention Week at their children’s school in Baltimore and unbeknownst to Joe, Mary had volunteered Joe to dress up as Smokey the Bear because the original Smokey had cancelled at the last moment due to the sniffles and Mary did not want to disappoint the students. Joe, as usual took it in stride and transformed into the finest Smokey the Bear the world had ever seen.

As noted, Mary was the apple of Joe’s eye. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for her. On the 22nd of each month, he would plan a small, intimate anniversary celebrating their June 22nd wedding. As of last month, Joe and Mary celebrated their anniversary 612 times. Joe would come up to Mary and whisper “I Love you to the Moon and Back”. A week prior to Joe’s passing, when his health began to rapidly fail he quietly held Mary’s hand and said he wanted her to know that she had made him the happiest man in the world!

Joe would not want to be remembered for his education and business accomplishments but more so for his unending love of Mary and family, his love for his Catholic faith and his pride in his Celtic roots. Joe was an ordinary man doing extraordinary things. Joe did not talk the talk….simply and humbly walked the walk. We have lost an incredible faith-filled, selfless man BUT our Almighty Father has gained an angel.

A Celtic Prayer

May the light of Heaven shine upon your soul and make you whole.

May the grace of Christ be with you now and always.

May you rest in peace forever and always.

Memorial Mass for Joe will be at 10 AM on Monday, February 10, at St Andrew the Apostle Church, 505 Kingston Dr, Romeoville, IL 60446. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Divine Mercy House, 4118 Loretto Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32223 - A Christian maternity home advocating for young mothers and babies.