Obituary of Eugene W. McMahon

Eugene W. McMahon, age 84, died on Thursday, January 14, 2010 at Morristown Memorial Hospital in Morristown. He was born and raised in Plainfield and graduated from Plainfield High School in 1943. He lived in Scotch Plains, Bridgewater, North Plainfield and last resided in Stirling, NJ. In high school, he played varsity football and baseball with pitching semi-pro for the Somerville Browns and Plainfield Pirates. After graduation, he joined the Army Air Force and was a waist and tail gunner on a B17 with the 15th Air Force, 463rd bomb group, 775th squadron out of Foggia, Italy. He was a WWII veteran and a POW in various German camps after being shot down on his 14th mission over Linz, Austria before being liberated by General Patton in Mooseburg, Germany. He has been awarded many medals which include the Purple Heart, NJ Distinguished Service Medal, three Bronze Stars, participation Medals for the American Campaign, European, African and Middle Eastern Campaigns, Good Conduct, Air Medal, Victory Medal, World War II Medal and POW Medal. During his tour of service, he visited San Giovanni Rotondra, Italy, where he met Padre Pio. Through out his life, he felt blessed, protected and guided by having met Padre Pio before his sainthood. His life was so touched by St. Pio, Eugene's story with his meeting has been published in two books, "Pray, Hope and Don't Worry" by Diane Allen and "Padre Pio and America" by Frank M. Rega. Devoted to his family and friends and loved by everyone he met. He was an avid reader, golf enthusiast and loved and helped in the rescue of many animals. He was an employee of New Jersey Bell Telephone and retired after 38 years as a manager of special services. A lifetime member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, American Ex-Prisoners of War, Amvets Post 151, VFW Post 6259, DAV Chapter NJ State # 28, 463rd Bomb Group, Telecom Pioneers and the Long Hill Seniors. He is predeceased by his parents, Martin J. and Marguerite (Marky) McMahon. He is survived by his beloved wife of 26 years, Charlotte (Klebash) McMahon of Stirling, NJ; his sisters, Lyda Elizabeth Orloff and Joyce M. Maynard and her husband James; his brother, Kendall M. McMahon and his wife Rose, all of North Plainfield, NJ; his daughter, Jean M. Cyrlin of Lords Valley, PA; his grandchildren, Richard O'Neill, Amy and Jennifer Cyrlin and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. Funeral services will begin on Monday, January 18th at 9:00 a.m. at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung followed by a 10:00 a.m. Funeral Mass at St. Vincent De Paul Church in Stirling. Interment will be at St. Vincent De Paul Cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Vincent De Paul Church, Bebout Ave., Stirling, NJ 07980 or to Resurrection of Christ Church, 649 Bound Brook Road, Dunellen, NJ 08812.