Deceased Friars

John McMahon, OFM

John McMahon

1916 – 1947

Br. John McMahon, OFM, was born in Meriden, Conn., on Jan. 3, 1916. A graduate of St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., he entered the Province’s novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1936.

In 1937, he professed temporary vows. Because of illness, Br. John was sent to the west to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix, Ariz., where he professed his solemn vows in 1943.

Br. John moved to Queen of Angels Hospital in Los Angeles, Calif., in 1944, where he showed signs of improvement following a surgical spinal fusion. His sparkling personality and sense of humor won all who met him. He had an intense desire to become a priest but offered the sacrifice of this cherished with to God when it became apparent he would never recover his health.

In 1946, his request to return to the east was granted. After a short stay at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Warwick, N.Y., he died at St. Mary’s Hospital in Hoboken, N.J., on Sept. 10, 1947. Br. John was 31 years old and a professed friar for 10 years.

Each of us should be called a lesser brother, a Friar Minor. Each one of us should wash the feet of the others.”

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John McMahon, OFM

John McMahon

1916 – 1947

Br. John McMahon, OFM, was born in Meriden, Conn., on Jan. 3, 1916. A graduate of St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., he entered the Province’s novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1936.

In 1937, he professed temporary vows. Because of illness, Br. John was sent to the west to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix, Ariz., where he professed his solemn vows in 1943.

Br. John moved to Queen of Angels Hospital in Los Angeles, Calif., in 1944, where he showed signs of improvement following a surgical spinal fusion. His sparkling personality and sense of humor won all who met him. He had an intense desire to become a priest but offered the sacrifice of this cherished with to God when it became apparent he would never recover his health.

In 1946, his request to return to the east was granted. After a short stay at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Warwick, N.Y., he died at St. Mary’s Hospital in Hoboken, N.J., on Sept. 10, 1947. Br. John was 31 years old and a professed friar for 10 years.