Martin Francis McMahon

Martin Francis McMahon passed away peacefully at home with his family on Tuesday, March 7. He was born on December 15, 1936, in Beverly Hills, California, to Edward and Dorothy McMahon (Collins). In 1954, he graduated from Mount Carmel High School in Chicago. He then attended St. Mary’s College in Winona, Minnesota, where he met the love of his life, Judith, whom he married in July of 1959. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in English in 1958. In 1959, Martin enlisted in the Navy, and served for two years, on the U.S.S. Orion until 1961.

Martin worked in consumer magazine publishing for 38 years, as publisher for McFadden Women’s Magazines, in Chicago, Illinois, and was an Account Executive at Golf Digest and Golf Magazine in New York City.

He was very active in clubs and organizations throughout his life. While he lived in Deerfield, he was a member of the Tavern Club and The Whitehall Club, in Chicago. He also spent seven years as a board member of Deerfield Public Schools in Deerfield, Illinois, and also served as its President. He was a lector at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Weston, Connecticut, and St. Gregory the Great Parish in Bluffton, South Carolina. He was a founding member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians for Bluffton and Hilton Head, South Carolina, Chairman of the Apple Group in Sun City, Chairman of the Sun City Golf Advisory Committee, Author of the Marketing Analysis and Recommendations for Sun City Golf, Chairman of the Committee on Volunteerism, Chairman of the committee to write the History of Sun City, and was a recipient the Sun City Board of Directors Award for Volunteerism.

Golf was a way of life for Martin. If he wasn’t playing golf, he was watching it or talking about it. Through his work, he was able to attend many golf tournaments and was lucky enough to play with some professional golfers in a few pro-am tournaments. Martin was an avid football fan, especially Notre Dame. He enjoyed classical music, especially piano, as well as big bands and music from the 50s.

He is survived by his children Sean (Lucy) McMahon, of Bethlehem, PA, Shannon (Rich) Bruchal of Stratford, CT, and Erin McMahon of Port Wentworth, GA., as well as three grandchildren, Brendon McMahon of Nazareth, PA, Ryan McMahon of Austin, TX and Caitlin McMahon of Bethlehem, PA, one great-granddaughter (Kenzlee), and two nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, his brother Edward (Jackie), and his nephew Jim.

Friends may call at Sauls Funeral Home in Bluffton, SC, on Wednesday, March 22nd from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Prayers and a eulogy will be delivered at 6:15 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Martin’s life will be held on Thursday, March 23rd at 10:30 a.m. at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church in Bluffton, SC. Internment will follow at Beaufort National Cemetery, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Ed Young Senior Center, 103 Turnberry Street, Port Wentworth, GA 31407.

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