Obituary of Fred McMahon

Fred S. McMahon, 86, of Titusville, PA died at 5:30 PM Friday, June 05, 2009 at his residence. Fred was born on Aug. 26, 1922 in Meadville, a son of the late Lloyd and Hazel Wagner McMahon. He was married to Helen Ray Altenburg on April 7, 1951 at Chapmanville. Fred had attended the Meadville schools. He was a veteran and POW of World War II. He entered the US Army on Feb. 17, 1941. He was held captive from Nov. 8, 1944 until his release at the end of the war on May 8, 1945. Fred had been employed for 33 years at the former Universal Cyclops Specialty Steel Corp. in Titusville. He was previously employed at American Visco in Meadville. He had attended the Chapmanville Community Church. He was a member of the Bruce Shorts Post No. 5958 VFW in Titusville; a member of the Cleo J. Ross Post No. 368 American Legion in Titusville; and a member of the BPO Elks No. 264 in Titusville. He enjoyed hunting and woodworking. In his earlier years he enjoyed boating, camping and traveling with his family. He was interested in vintage airplanes and enjoyed building model airplanes. He was also an avid NASCAR fan. After retirement, he became involved with US Army reunions and enjoyed traveling to attend them. He was a member of the 28th Division Heritage Assoc., the 112th Infantry Regiment Assoc., the Barbwire Assoc. of N.W. PA, and the American Ex POW Inc. Fred is survived by his wife Ray of Titusville; a son, Michael K. McMahon and his wife Linda of Beaver Falls; a daughter, Susan R. McMahon of Fitchburg, Mass.; a granddaughter, Megan R. McMahon of Beaver Falls; a sister, Veda McMillen of Largo, FLA; a sister-in-law, Theda “Snooks” McMahon of Clarion; a brother-in-law, Robert Walton of Saegertown; a close family friend, Terri Phaneuf of Fitchburg, Mass., who was like a daughter; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Walter “Mickey” McMahon and Carl McMahon; and three sisters, Evelyn Walton, Arlene Shay and Dorothy Boughner. Friends may call at the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home 303 N. Washington St. Titusville on Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM. Members of the Bruce Shorts Post No. 5958 VFW will conduct a memorial service at 6:45 PM Monday at the funeral home. Friends may attend the funeral service on Tuesday at 11:00 AM at the funeral home with Rev. Glen Van Cise, pastor of the Chapmanville Community Church, officiating. Full military rites will be conducted by members of the Bruce Shorts Post No. 5958. Interment will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. The family asks that memorials be made to the Hospice of Crawford County 310 N. Monroe St. Titusville, PA 16354 or to the charity of one’s choice.