Obituary of John F. McMahon

HERKIMER – Mr. John F. McMahon, currently of Marcy, NY, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on May 3, 2022, at the age of 76, after a brief illness. John was born in Sayre, PA, on March 1, 1946 and was the second oldest of 7 siblings. He graduated from Sayre High School and later attended Corning Community College. He received his BS in health and physical education at Lock Haven University, followed by graduate work at Mount Claire State and Syracuse University. John also served in the Army in Vietnam, honorably discharged after 2 years. John married Patricia A. Stanley, on May 30, 1970, in Ridgway, PA, his devoted wife of 52 years. They had three loving children: Colleen, Sean and Brandon. John was dedicated to his family and created so many great memories with his wife, children and grandchildren, right up to the time of his passing. John started his coaching and teaching career in Goshen NY, in 1971. He then moved to Herkimer, in 1974, where he spent the rest of his professional career as a health teacher and head football coach. John quickly became a prominent local leader in the community, becoming well known for running a highly successful football program and for mentoring countless students and athletes through the years. While he won many games and elevated Herkimer football into a premier program, it was his impact off the field that was most important and what he was most proud of. John demonstrated through action and his demeanor that character and integrity are among the most important qualities one can have and to bring to the world. Winning a game is nice, but that victory is fleeting. It is how you act towards others and what you bring to the community, that ultimately matters. It is because of this philosophy that John became a legend in the Mohawk Valley and why so many friends, family, former players and students have flooded the family and social media with comments on how much John positively influenced their lives. These comments may have surprised John, as he was an incredibly humble man throughout his life, despite all his successes. John was most devoted to his family. His face would light up when speaking of his children and grandchildren and was proud of his legacy. Above all, Patricia was the love of his life, who supported and loved him dearly, no matter what they faced together, trying times, wonderful times and everything in between. He was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Marjorie McMahon; brothers, (Joseph) Michael McMahon and Paul (PG) McMahon; as well as a sister, Rita McMahon. He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia; daughter, Colleen and her husband, Michael Petucci, of Herkimer (NY); son, Sean and his wife, Monica (Servadio), of Jamesville (NY) and Brandon and his husband, Marty Egan, of Denver (CO); his 4 grandchildren, James Petucci and his fiancée, Kaylee Massocco, Joseph Petucci, Caitlin McMahon and Kaira McMahon; brother, Patrick McMahon; sisters, Kathleen Fitzroy and Eileen McMahon. John also leaves behind numerous loving in-laws; nieces and nephews; and countless wonderful friends. Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours for John at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 North Washington Street, in Herkimer (315) 866-1011, on Thursday, May 12, 2022, from 4 until 8 p.m. John’s funeral will begin at 8:30 a.m., on Friday, May 13, 2022, from the chapel of the funeral home where prayer will be offered, thence to St. Francis de Sales Church, North Bellinger Street, in Herkimer, where at 9:00 a.m. his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. He will be laid to rest immediately thereafter at Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer, New York. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl., Memphis, TN 38105. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. John’s funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Enea Family Funeral Home, Herkimer, Funeral Directors Harry J. Enea, Jr., Kevin E. Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia (315) 866-1011. Online expressions of sympathy are warmly welcomed by the family and may be offered by visiting www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.