I think I caught a glimpse of Brian in the memorial video at about the 41 minute mark, wearing this uniform.

I was thinking about Brian a while back and decided to Google him.  Sadly, I found only this memorial.   Brian and I were friends starting just before high school and continuing on until just after high school.  We lived about a mile from each other in Wappingers Falls, NY.   We played baseball together.  I have some fond memories of him.  The ones that are vivid are where we were both laughing so hard it hurt.   One of those was when we were walking home through the woods after a baseball practice and got attacked by a swarm of biting deer flies.   I remember him pulling his jacket up over his head and running blindly through a swampy area to get away.   When we were finally "safe" (and covered in mud), we were rolling on the ground laughing.    

Sadly, we lost touch with each other after high school.   These photos are from 1973 and 1974 (50 years ago!!), so we were about 13-14.

Dear Uncle Bry,
I have missed you so much but  I've been wanting to play with you so much and you are such a great uncle to have.  I love you and will never forgot you but I miss you and I hope you are in heaven now  we have said many dear prayers for you.
You are the best uncle I ever had
Love forever,
Colin

I was very saddened to learn the news of Brian's passing.  I had the good fortune to meet him this past February while spending a weekend in Cincinnati.  I was impressed by his conversation, amused by his humor, and touched by the kindness he showed me, a stranger.  He and his family remain in my prayers.

I see the pain in my brother's eyes 
As his words retrace the days.
Of coffee talk and pinochle games 
And all your little ways... 
Of kindness. Gentle, guiding presence. Simple joys and fun. 
The twists and turns of daily tasks 
And suddenly you're gone.

I feel the pain in my nephew's face.
His Rock. His Father. His Strength - escaped. 
His words are few; his heart expands 
As he clasps in sorrow, my freckled hand. 
He stands alone, yet cloaked in love, 
From birth to eternity - from his father above. 

I know the pain my own son carries. 
It's painted in his smile. 
His friend; His brother and father too- 
Has crossed the eternal mile. 
The first to offer a dollar bill,  an ear and guide you through. 
The one you call when things go wrong, 
our darling Brian Boru. 

Each passing gaze from those I love, 
Is engulfed in tears held in. 
The sideways swipe and quivering lip 
is hidden not from Him. 
God knows the pain He sent our way- 
the 30th of June- oh, fateful day. 

He sent His gift on April 8th
As our parents sang of "happy days". 
But days are numbered and not forever. 
We learned the hard way,
when we lost our brother... ❤

I only worked with Brain in the last two years.  He was a honest and friendly man.  This news surprised me. My God bless Brain and his family.

Who but his son could hold onto Brian for very long?? He was loved by so many, in so many corners of the world, that it was hard to get your fill of him.  I knew him from law school and was lucky to see him regularly for that 3 year stint.  Whether in class, at the Leitrim pub, Seinfeld Thursdays, or knocking about, time with Brian was always a joy.  He was so smart, so positive, so funny, and I always felt animated and special when i was with him.  I will remember him fondly and the love I have for him is now being sent to his cherished son Micheal.  Rest in peace my good friend, love always, Lauren

We were so sad to hear about Brian's passing. This was such a shock and is still hard to believe.  It was such a gift to be able to spend time with him last month. We had so much fun. It was great to go to the Irish Festival with him knowing he loved his Irish heritage as much as we do. It was also nice to hear him talking about his faith.  He was a credit to his parents and siblings.  He showed his good nature by taking time to talk to all the kids about what was going on in their lives. That was such a special memory for them.  He will be in our prayers.

Brian,

For the last week I've looked at Mikey's obituary and held to it, no words need be said.  Unfortunately, I'd be remiss to say nothing. 

I am completely at a loss. 

Before your time is an understatement of about a thousand years. For 28 of mine I got to enjoy 28 of yours. Growing up, we knew you were going through tough times, times that would chew up and spit out normal men. But you weren't normal, you were Bri, and to my kid self you plain didn't have time for your enemies, only those you loved. As emotional as last week was, the one fact that kept me grounded was that you had an entire decade with the one you loved the most, your greatest gift to me and the worldMikey. 

It's pretty amazing when you think about it that every time we saw you it was like a wish granted, from childhood to adulthood. From here on out, I'll be stuck missing your eloquent wisdoms and your powerful growls, but unfortunately what I'll miss the most are your relationships with my father Bill, and your son, my best friend, Mike.

You always loved us Zengel kids, most importantly, you always let us know it. 
I'll miss you so much.

Love your nephew,
KZ

It came as a thief in the night,  for Death itself dared not look Uncle Brian in the eye.
 The Unexpected death of a loved one is a grief I've never known. It forces me to become aware of a love that abides, unspoken and invisibly, binding me to the people in my life. This Love remains largely unnoticed,  until it is revealed in the shadows of grief. 
Brian had a magnanimity and a charisma that made it impossible to take his presence for granted and yet I somehow did... I assumed that for the rest of my life I would be able to head to HQ after Sunday Mass, drink beer, argue politics and laugh our heads off with Brian as the clan did just a couple weeks ago.
Brian Boru was a critical element to this family. I can't imagine this family without him - Even in premonitions of the funeral he is mourning by his own grave with us. 
A tough man, a fighter, a lover; my mother's brother, my father's best friend and my best friend's father.
What a dark emptiness lies in the hearts of those who see their heroes die.
Blood from Christ's side wash you, Big Mac.
Love,
Conor

I knew a man named Brian McMahon
And better am I for such
All of the people who shared in his life
Each of our hearts did he touch.

Generous and loyal and good for a game
Full of fun and good times to the end
I'm happy and sad both at the same time
To say Brian McMahon was my friend.

Michael, I am truly sorry for your loss. As kids, we were always happy when our parents suggested a ride over to the Macs. There was always something fun going on. As soon as you arrived at the Macs house, you'd be crazy to think that you wouldn't end up being thrown into the pool!  One thing that I will always remember about your dad was his genuine interest in people.  If he asked you how you were, he meant it. He wasn't just asking because it seemed like the right thing to say. My prayers are with you and all of the Macs.   Your dad's passing is really a great loss to everyone.

My cousin Brian ... a good man ... a good son ... a good father ... a good brother ... a good nephew ... a good cousin ... a good uncle and a good friend. Be the annoying one at parties taking pictures - capture the moments that you can remember someone by.  I saw a quote today that sort of fits:  "The best part about pictures is that even though the people in the photo change, the memory it contains never will."  +RIP Bru Bru (I remember your dad calling you that, but he was actually probably saying Boru!)....you are missed.

Dear Brian. I don't know what happened but so sorry to hear this news. I was so looking forward to your trip to Costa Rica and the great time that we would have had. I'm holding a place on the boat for you. Rest in peace CUZ.                          Reese

There are far more eloquent posts here than I could ever write. My Uncle Brian was one of the greatest men I've ever known and the impact his life had on the people he knew will be forever felt. You are greatly loved and hugely missed.

Uncle Bry has left a hole in all our lives, a unique hole that only he could fill. He truly was the glue for a lot of us, he kept us grounded, and connected. He made everyone feel special and loved, no matter who you were, or where you were in your life. He taught us how we should live, how to love life and everything and everyone in it. He had such a genuine love for everyone and it's impossible to replace. We must do what we can to follow in the road he so unknowingly paved for us. To love. To laugh. To be patient. To be kind to all. To pray. To fight when necessary. To stay connected near or far.  And to always support and love one another. He taught us so many things, not always with his words, but more with his actions. You will be so missed Uncle Bry, but we are so grateful for the love you've given each of us. He may be gone but he will never be forgotten. 
Peace and love forever and always.

Uncle Bry is the greatest man in my life. He has supported me in every venture, and has been my hero since birth. Words cannot express the pain this loss brings to my soul, and there will not be another man I miss as much as him. I can only pray he knows what he meant, and means, to me. 

I love you Uncle Brian.

Mike, I met your dad at Betty Bar in Cincinnati about three years ago. We both went there to meet new people and fell into a regular Tuesday euchre game. It morphed into a group that bonded and built relationships outside of the bar. We weren't exclusive. We welcomed anyone who cared to join us. We celebrated holidays and birthdays together. We watched Bengals games at R.P. McMurphy's. Brian was the only one who tried to sing the fight song with me (even though he didn't know the lyrics or melody). That inspired him to screen "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" on New Year's Day at his house, which led to him and me undertaking reading the book together. He returned his copy to the library before finishing because someone else wanted it. Last Wednesday I sent him a text updating him on my progress. He said he was inspired to check the book out again to finish it. That was among the last text exchanges we had. 

Our group sang together -- at his house, under the full moon at the Observatory, at Sorrento's, at Colleen's at Christmas, at Lana's on Labor Day. We went to Christmas Mass and Office of Tenabrae together during Holy Week. He helped decorate my Christmas tree last year. We brunched, picnicked and dined together. (We knew he would bring olive medley to every pitch-in. It was the punchline to a running joke.) I knew I could call Brian and he would be there (if he was in town). We played euchre at my place and had joke-telling contests. (Kevin is unsurpassed, so far.) Brian helped move files into my new office in January. (He was the only person I knew with a truck.) And he came back to help me hang art and move furniture later. We sat in my office after and shared a bottle of wine and warm conversation. 

I texted him from my office one afternoon in May asking him to go to the white dinner with me. It was quite a fussy thing. He went out and bought white duds -- even white shoes. He brought the wine and white plates. They are still sitting on my kitchen counter (the plates, not the wine). As we were driving away at the end of the evening he asked, "Do you think I can return this belt to Dillard's?" 

I want you to know how full of love and life your dad was. And how beloved he was by his Cincinnati friends. I know I don't have to tell you how much he loved you. He used to call me when he was concerned about you. He called you his cub. We knew that he loved us. You meant everything to him. Rebecca

To know Brian, was to know God's love. As God knew no stranger and gave love and showed love, as did Brian. Brian gave me the opportunity to be a part of his life and to truly feel God's presence in his heart. He was my friend he was my neighbor and truly once of God's angels to me. Brian I love you, you will never be forgotten because you will always be remembered in my heart. Because you are apart of the love God shared with me. I would truly share the love you showed me and I will pass it on. 
Brian I love you ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS!!!
Love Terry

Live your life as Brian did and you will have done the very best you could.
Charming, witty, gregarious and expressively happy, this man knew no strangers. He was the most generous person I ever met and his commitment to his friends and family was constant and sure. We love you, Brian, and always will.
Kent Covey
Irish Heritage Center, Cincinnati

We are very sorry for your loss. I only met him once or twice, but he was larger than life and I'll never forget a spirit like that.

My dearest cousin  Brian ( aka Rocky) remembering all the joy and laughter we  shared together since we were children.
You knew just what to say and made everyone around you laugh. Laugh to the point our ribs hurt.Brian you were the best cousin a girl could ask for and a true friend.
(God Delivered) You were Kind compassionate, understanding and generous. Full of love for your family and friends.Your son Mikey has the same wonderful qualities as you and he was blessed to have you as his father.
As you prepare to reunite with your heavenly family; you will always be loved and remembered. I  will  hold a special place in my heart for you forever.
Love Cousin Carolyn
xxxooo


Few words can express the isolation and empty space in the ones left behind after any death.  With Brian's example of a zest for life and all it offered, there is strength and hope for tomorrow.  Thank you for being such a good friend to Bill his entire life and me by association since we met in 1980 and our three children who came along the way, which you were always a big part of.  Thank you for having Mike, who, by genetics, carries on your charm and wit, and is a constant friend to my boys.  You, Brian, will be missed by us all.
Mike, we are always here for you.

May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sunshine warm upon your face.
May the rains fall upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.  

I will forever be waiting for you to walk through the door again at the Old Cross with that smile and always being know as 'wee a-meh' ..thanks for making all your trips to Ireland and our trips to America so fun and memorable for us. until we meet again Brian, Love your wee Irish lass- rest in peace xo

Brian, you were such a good friend thru High School....and then as usual....many of us part ways with work etc. But I was so happy when we "reconnected" thru Facebook. You really made me laugh!  You brought back so many memories!!  I am so glad I got to have that with you over the past few years.  You will be greatly missed. I am so sorry that we couldn't meet up on a trip to Jersey....But......until we meet again Brian.  R.I.P.  XXOO  I will sure miss those Irish eyes smiling every time I sign on to FB!!!  You always were there :)   Grace

I knew Brian through my cousin Debbie Thompson.   Always a pleasure to be around. My thoughts and prayers are with Brian and his family and friends.

Brian was amazing, he was giving, caring, and always fun. To my father he was a best friend, my brothers, a role model, and to me, the most incredible godfather I could have ever asked for. Although Brian left us too early, he filled his life with good times and good people, he was a man who lived his life to its fullest potential, something many people strive to do but cannot reach. I am so very sorry I was not able to be with our family at this time but am happy to say that I know Brian is looking down on all of us, smiling. I will continue to be praying for all of the many people who are touched by your loss. Simply put, Brian, I love you and I miss you already.

Brian was not only handsome - he was caring, smart, interesting, fun, and he lit up the room when he walked in. He was the life of the party and a joy to be around.  Those of us in one of his Cincinnati circles of friends have been observing that Brian made everyone feel special! And it came from a genuine sense of caring about you, of being interested in you and your life.  We all got together this morning for coffee, and actually in Brian's honor a "little bit more",  and had a toast to our dear friend. The toast was "To Brian  who made us ALL feel special".  God bless you, Brian, for gracing our lives!

I had only briefly met Brian through business, introduced by Bill Z. His charm and wit was captivating and I am blessed to have known him even in its brevity.  

Tomorrow will be the one year anniversary of the day I lost my 25 year old daughter,  with my absolute understanding to the family may you allow yourself to grieve in whatever way that you need to without apology or fear. You will experience great pain because you had great love, as one cannot exist without the other.

July 4th, 2016.  "Jesus Mary and Joseph, I love you save souls."

Dear Michael,

I'm so happy that on Sunday June 26, 2016 I drove with you and your father to eat dinner with F.X. at his home.  The long anticipated F.X. dinner finally was scheduled in "time".  In that car ride, before beloved Brian passed into eternity, I attempted to tell Brian about how he touched my life.  I wanted to say to him in the car: "Bry, I love you".  I should of said it.  Michael, do you remember instead I talked to you about him?  I told you in front of your father all the ways he helped me.  Especially about the $180,000 business plan that he helped me outline!  Dear Michael, did my beloved friend know that I was saying "I love you Bry!"?  Tell me that he knew it.  Brian continues to teach me from eternity valuable life lessons.  I will learn this lesson, so I say it now, what I didn't say to him on June 26, 2016:  "I love you Michael".  Michael, I have watched The Rock quietly forming The Glacier over the last 28 years.  I proudly now state that I was there and saw the process.  Now, at this time tinged with grief, I see The Rock quietly supporting his Glacier presently;  as the pinnacle of his Glacier is being formed.  The Rock's life work was building his Glacier.  I see his success as you make the tough calls; as you stand before The Rock and you pay your last respects; as you turn those behind you, those seeking shelter in this storm; you turn and commanding show your strength raised high into the air above your head; you announce boldly to your supporters:  "We will now pray for The Rock".  Yes, I see The Rock's life work is complete.  Yes, you are The Glacier; from eternity he will continue to teach you life's lessons.  Your pinnacle is being formed.  We will always pray for The Rock.  I love you Michael.

The Obituary words say it all about Brian but I want to share some memories with Michael. I am Honored and Blessed to have known Brian and most of his family for the past  25 years. The bond with him and our family was very special. Brian you know the 'craic' we had - and it was plentiful. The nights in Bond's, being chauffeured by the man himself in his Rolls Royce, playing/cheating at darts in the trailer, singing and sessions etc etc. Your love for a good slap-up meal, the blazing open fire with an Irish Coffee in hand.  Then of course taking part with the kids in the sporting events at Lammas while sucking on the sticky delicious Yellow Man and being rewarded with a medal for your achievements which you proudly carried with you on your travels to Ireland. 'Hey I won this at Lammas'! You bought a breath of fresh air to us each time you visited with that impish smile and mimicking our dialect - (torn rite in your wee karr or you're a good wee cub etc etc) so many great memories. We have lost a great friend and cousin but Brian you will never be forgotten here in your second home at the Old Cross, Ardboe. Michael your Dad has left you a hard act to follow but I know you have it in you to carry on his wit, knowledge and love for Ireland.

Brian, you left us too soon. You lived life to the fullest.  We have known each other close to 40 years.  We shared a lot of great experiences and I will always cherish them.  I will especially miss your trash talking while I was taking your money on the golf course!

To your son Michael, siblings, friends, nieces, nephews, cousins, etc. my thoughts and prayers are with you.

I had the pleasure of working with him for a short time. His presence and personality filled the room. He always had an appropriate comment with a Brian twist to everything. 

My deepest sympathies. Hold the memories in your heart, think of him often and watch for his signs. He is all around you and will be there for you.

My sincerest Christian sympathies to the McMahon family in the passing of Brian. Colleen is a good friend from high school and I know how dear he is to her. Words cannot express how sorry I am to hear this news. May God comfort you and give you His peace.

For Brian:
I will count each passing day that you have gone,
With something kind or simply fond,
With love for you I've said goodbye,
But not even death could break our ties, 
For the love we have for you never dies,
We feel longing in our eyes, 
A man who loved all things dear, 
For him we shed many tears,
But with a smile we all know he is happy where he goes,
The smiles we've shared,
And tears we've shed,
Not forgotten, 
never forgotten,
But kept in a box by his stead,
In the heavens he doth tread,
So cheers to the man who was full of love,
Whose hands reach to stars above,
Three hoorays for passing days,
And a tear for the passing gaze.

Brian, working with you was such a pleasure. You made mundane tasks fun and work trips an adventure. Brian, being your friend was such a joy. From football trash talk and friendly competition to shared travel stories, meals on the road, and euchre- I have so many great memories. You've meant to so much to me in these past couple of years. I don't know how we will get on without you. 
I'll never forget your laugh and the light you shared so freely with the world. 
Peace, love & power, BMac! 
Love, Amber xx

Until we meet again,
may God Hold you
in the palm of his hand.

Brian was a great friend. I've known him for well over 30 years. My sincere condolences to all Brian's family & friends. He will be greatly missed. Mike Horan

It is with my heartfeilt sorrow I send this message to Brian's son Michael and Brian's brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews. May the Loving Hearts of Jesus and Mary give each of you consolation during your time of grief.
I was fortunate to be one among his friends and brother, Joseph this past Memorial weekend. Brian was the spark of the gathering. A most generous, thoughtful and fun loving friend. He had a way of putting a smile of your face. As it was the few times past being with him it was again quite a pleasure to share time with him. He was a genuine companion. He will be dearly missed.
I will remember him prayerfully for length of days. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.

You were a great man.  The way you made others feel at ease, your sense of humor and your intelligence were just a few of your incredible qualities. You are missed all ready here, but Heaven is a little brighter.

He will be missed neighbor from Elizabeth Place in Bondhill

I have such a sad heart when I think I won't have the opportunity to see you again
I loved you like a brother and will always miss you

I loved you like a brother and will miss you dearly

Words cannot express the sadness felt at this loss. B Mac you will be so missed and forever loved.

Ah, Brian! My best friend for a single day every year for almost 30 years, and I hope you left us knowing how much that one day meant to me.
God bless and keep you, and here's to many more Turkey Bowls in Heaven. 
Until we meet again.

Brian - trying to remember all our great times together, the meal in Cooperstown that had the breakfast "to die for" comes to mind, but my heart is filled with too much sadness right now. You always brought joy and happiness when we were together. Those of us fortunate to know you will never, ever forget you. Prayers to you and your family.

Brian was a great friend (more like a brother) that anyone could ask for.  He will be sorely missed.  He's a rare breed; the type of person about whom no one had a bad word to say.  Everyone loved him and to be with him, which makes this so difficult to handle.  My family will be praying for him every day.

In paradisum deducant te Angeli; in tuo adventu suscipiant te martyres, et perducant te in civitatem sanctam Ierusalem. Chorus angelorum te suscipiat, et cum Lazaro quondam paupere æternam habeas requiem.

Brian - You were a Prince among men!  I'm so blessed to have known you and to be an honorary member of the McMahon clan!  Until we all meet again in Heaven!  God Bless My Friend !

So, so sorry to hear of your loss.  Brian was  a joy to be around! The Bourbon festival and York Street Cafe are memories we will cherish.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

OBITUARIO

Brian Joseph McMahon

8 abril, 1960 – 30 junio, 2016

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