John F. McMahon

John F. McMahon, of Abilene, TX, formerly of Lynnfield, MA, and Hampstead, NH, passed away in Abilene on March 2, 2023. 

Born December 28, 1952, John was the first born son of the late Francis A. and Ruth (Kallenberg) McMahon of Lynnfield.

John attended Lynnfield Public Schools and graduated from Lynnfield High School in 1970.   He earned an Associate’s degree from Northeastern Christian Junior College in Villanova, PA and later studied at Abilene Christian University, where he majored in history and developed an affinity for Texas.

In 1978, following in the tradition of his father and uncle, John enlisted in the U. S. Navy.  He served as an Electronics Technician First Class on the USS Baton Rouge, a nuclear submarine, on deployments which took him to far flung destinations via the Persian Gulf, the Indian Ocean, and the Mediterranean.   John’s 20 years of service included stints in Naval Reserve recruiting, and concluded with active duty aboard the submarine tender USS Simon Lake, on her final voyage from La Maddelena (Sardinia), Italy to Norfolk, VA. 

After retirement and returning to Texas, John pursued his lifelong interest in German engineered vehicles through his work for Volkswagen dealerships in Abilene.  He was an active and engaged volunteer for the Taylor County (TX) Veterans Service Office, where, despite his declarations of pride in being a Yankee from New England, he developed friendships and camaraderie with the veteran community.

John leaves his son and daughter-in-law, Brian (Susan), of Somerville, and his daughter, Bethany, of Derry, NH.  Other survivors include: his brother, Francis, of Greenfield, NH; a sister, Ruth, of Lynnfield, and three nieces.

A private service and burial in Willow Cemetery, Lynnfield, will occur at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of McDonald Funeral Home in Wakefield.