BUTLER, N.J. — John Mahon, OFM, died unexpectedly in his room at St. Anthony Friary, where he was guardian, on March 6. He was 62 years old and a professed friar for 38 years.
John had been ill with the flu and also had a prior history of heart problems.
Early Years
John was born Sept. 28, 1948, in New York to John and Mary Mahon. He attended St. Stephen of Hungary Grammar School on East 82nd Street and Immaculata High School, graduating in 1966.
In 1968, John entered as a candidate to the brothers’ training program at St. Francis Friary in Rye Beach, N.H., and studied at McIntosh Junior College in Dover, N.H., receiving an associate’s degree in business administration in 1971.
He was received into the Order of Friars Minor at St. Francis Friary, Brookline, Mass., in 1971 and professed first vows there the following year. During his years of formation in Washington, D.C., John completed his education at Strayer College, receiving a bachelor of science degree in business administration in 1976. That same year, he professed final vows at St. Stephen of Hungary Church in New York City.
Ministry
Following his solemn profession, John taught for three years at Immaculata High School while residing at Holy Cross Friary in Bronx, N.Y., and in July 1977 he was appointed vicar of that friary.
From 1979 to 1982, he was assigned to St. Joseph Friary, in Winsted, Conn., where he served as assistant principal of St. Anthony School. In 1982, he moved to St. Anne’s Friary in Fair Lawn, N.J. While there, he worked for Franciscan Advertising and Media. In 1984, John began handling the St. Anne Church’s administrative responsibilities.
While pursuing graduate studies at Boston College from 1987 to 1989, John was procurator of St. Francis Friary in Brookline, Mass., receiving a masters in church leadership and management in 1990. In 1989, he was assigned to Siena College, Loudonville, N.Y., first as assistant director and then, in 1992, as director of student activities. In 1993, he was appointed guardian of the friar community at Siena. The following year, he was appointed assistant to college’s president.
From 1999 to 2006, John served as a member of the administrative staff at St. Anthony Shrine in Boston. He was then appointed guardian of St. Anthony Friary in Butler.
Funeral Services
A wake will be held March 11 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at John’s home parish, St. Stephen of Hungary Church, 414 E. 82nd Street, New York. Immediately following the wake, a Mass of Thanksgiving for his life and ministry will be celebrated.
A second wake will take place March 11 from 4 to 8 p.m., with a Wake Service at 7:30 p.m., at St. Anthony Church, 65 Bartholdi Avenue, Butler.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Provincial Minister John O’Connor, OFM, at 10:30 a.m. on March 12 at St. Anthony Church. David Convertino, OFM, will preach the homily. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Butler.
John is survived by his mother; brother and sister-in-law Ronald and Maryann Mahon of Deer Park, N.Y.; aunt, Dorothy Hipp of New York; two nieces, three nephews and 15 great-nieces and nephews. Condolences may be sent to Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Mahon, 203 West 18th Street, Deer Park NY 11729.
Memorial contributions can be made to The Franciscans — St. Anthony’s Guild, 4 Jersey Street, East Rutherford NJ 07073-1012.
Editor’s note: The photo behind the image above shows John with Michael Harlan, OFM, and John Maganzini, OFM at the 2011 Provincial Chapter.Many comments about John have been posted on the Province’s Facebook page.