Francis Vincent McMahon

Francis Vincent “Mac” McMahon, 100, passed away peacefully in his home on January19, 2023. He was born December 29, 1922 to Robert and Rose McMahon (née Sheridan) in Gilboa, NY alongside brother Robert and sister Irene. After living most of his life in Preston, CT,

Francis moved to live with his granddaughter, Debbie, in Fort Pierce, FL in 2019.  After graduating from Goshen High School (NY) in 1940 and working a few odd jobs, Francis decided to enlist in the United States Navy. On November 4, 1942 (his father’s birthday), Francis rode along with his father into New York City, where he was sworn in as a Seaman Apprentice for DOW (Duration of War). Unaware at the time, Francis was just embarking on a 30-year-long career in the Armed Forces. 

Upon the completion of Signalman training at two Naval Training Schools (Great Lakes, IL and Los Angeles, CQ) and being promoted to Signalman 3rd Class, Francis was eventually attached to the Armed Guard Center in Brooklyn, NY on May 28, 1943. While with the Armed Guard, he was assigned to three different merchant ships and spent the war at sea sailing around the world. After the war came to a close, he was honorably discharged from the Navy on January 11, 1946 after four years of service.

Following a brief two year stint in the United States Navy Reserve, Francis continued his military career by enlisting in the United States Coast Guard on April 5, 1949 as a Quartermaster Petty Officer 3rd Class. He would go on to serve the next 23 years with the Coast Guard, assigned to various ships and stations up and down the East Coast. After a long, dedicated career of serving his country, he finally retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 on March 13, 1972. 

Francis then spent the majority of his retired life living quietly in the small town of Preston, Connecticut alongside his wife, Laura Edna McMahon (née Crews). Francis and Laura married on January 18, 1952 in Miami Beach, FL while Francis was still serving in the Coast Guard. He would be preceded in death by his wife of 53 years in 2005, and his brother Robert in 1995.

Surviving Francis McMahon are his sister, Irene Murray of Beacon, NY, nieces Kathy, Patty, Irene, Colleen, and Shiela, nephews Joe and Michael, great niece Courtney, granddaughters Debbie and Vicky, and grandson Dave. Francis also leaves behind twelve great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren. 

A service honoring the life of Francis Vincent McMahon will be held February 4, 2023 at 10:00am at Gagne-Piechowski Funeral Home in Jewett City, CT followed by a burial at Maplewood Cemetery in Norwich, CT. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the US Veterans Administration and your local Hospice Care providers, both organizations that Francis felt strongly about.

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