Corman McMahon, OFM

1926 – 1978

Fr. Corman McMahon, OFM, was born in Boston on June 19, 1926. After graduating from St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., he entered the Province’s novitiate at St. Bonaventure Frairy in Paterson, N.J., Aug. 12, 1948.

He professed temporary vows Aug. 13, 1949, and made his profession of solemn vows Sept. 17, 1952. Fr. Corman was ordained a priest in Washington, D.C., on May 5, 1954.

After two years serving at St. Anthony Shrine in Boston, he was assigned to St. Patrick’s Church in Buffalo, N.Y., where he did outstanding parish work and provided spiritual leadership for both the CYO and the CCD programs. Fr. Corman made the front page of the Buffalo newspapers when he charged into a burning building, broke down the doors, and rescued two children and an elderly woman before a single fire engine arrived.

From 1962 until his death, Fr. Corman served on the staff of St. Francis Chapel in Providence, R.I. His devotion to the people over the years made him a true professional in service church ministry. He did great work in counseling chemically dependent people who came to him. Fr. Corman completed his courses in the treatment of alcoholism at Newport and Kent County hospitals, organized AL-ANON groups in Providence and served on the state assembly of Alcoholics Anonymous.

He died in Providence on July 13, 1978. Fr. Corman was 52 years old, a professed friar for 28 years and a priest for 24 years.