John Edward McMahon

 

John was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1927 and lived through the Great Depression with his Irish born parents, 3 brothers and 3 sisters, two of whom died as toddlers. He accomplished much in life considering his very humble beginnings. He persevered through poverty and as a medic in the Korean war. It was through education, provided by the Franciscan monks, that John achieved a better life for his family. His career as an English teacher spanned many decades and after years of diligent hard work, he received a PhD in Education. He never missed an opportunity to share his love of poetry and English Literature with others, even when he was retired. Family was always first with John and his favorite times involved his wife, his children, and his large extended family. He always took pity on those who had very little, often sharing his food with the homeless. He enjoyed intellectual discussions, traveling the open road, a good book, Irish music and poetry. Did I mention he LOVED poetry? His favorite destination by far was Balboa Park and he often visited the park and the Senior Center there. He loved having “talks” with those at the Park, especially when they had a different perspective. He was one of the last of an age when integrity and depth were a way of life. Despite the physical struggles that came with his advanced years, his mind remained sharp until the end! He roamed the earth for 95 years, always seeking knowledge.  We will celebrate his life formally in the near future but for now we grieve a little, reminisce a bit and smile as we remember his poetry readings at family dinners, how his pants somehow got pulled up higher and higher each year, the sweater and cap that always completed his daily outfit, and his utter inability to master simple technology like the cell phone and email.  He will be missed, but we will not mourn his passing. We will celebrate his life!