Kieran F McMahon, OFM

1917 – 2000

Fr. Kieran McMahon, OFM, was born on Aug. 8, 1917 in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., and baptized Matthew. After working for several years at Wilkes-Barre’s Mercy Hospital, he enrolled in St. Joseph Seraphic Seminary, Callicoon, N.Y., in 1940. He was received into the Order as Kieran in 1941, professing temporary vows one year later. Fr. Kieran made his solemn profession in 1945 and was ordained in 1947.

His entire priesthood was devoted to pastoral ministry exercised in parishes, hospitals and urban chapels. Fr. Kieran served for three years as assistant at St. Anthony Shrine, Boston, one year at St. Anthony’s Parish, Pensacola, Fla., one year at St. Richard’s Parish, Emporia, Va., three years as pastor of St. Richard’s Parish, seven years as associate at St. Anthony Parish, Butler, N.J., and three years as chaplain at St. Anthony’s Hospital, St. Petersburg, Fla.

Fr. Kieran’s longest assignment was the 12 years he spent as chaplain at the Greystone Psychiatric Hospital in Greystone Park, N.J. Thereafter, he served as associate at St. Stephen of Hungary Parish, New York City, St. Anthony Parish, Butler, N.J., and St. Francis Chapel, Providence, R.I. At age 73 he retired, first to Sacred Heart Friary, East Rutherford, N.J., then to St. Anthony Friary, Butler, and finally to Holy Name Friary, Ringwood, N.J.

He died on Dec. 15, 2000 at Holy Name Friary. Fr. Kieran was 83 years old, a professed friar for 58 years and a priest for 53 years.