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1951 - 2015

BORN

1951

DIED

2015

Tom McMahon Obituary

Name: Memorial service for Tom McMahon
Start: 2015-07-11T18:00:00.000Z
Location: Valley Community Church

Tom McMahon
July 1, 1951 – June 25, 2015
Former Pleasaton & Fremont Resident
Tom McMahon passed away peacefully after a long illness on June 25, 2015 in Carlsbad, CA.
Tom grew up in San Diego, CA where he attended Hoover High School. He earned degrees from Grossmont College and Humboldt State University, as well as a Masters in Counseling from San Diego State University. Tom spent 35 years as an educator and counselor at Ohlone College in Fremont, CA where he touched countless students' lives. He authored three books, penned a nationally syndicated parenting newspaper column, and consulted with several major companies on parenting issues. Tom also volunteered in youth prison ministry and mentored several young people in the community. Tom lived life with enthusiasm; he especially loved his cabin, backpacking, skiing, bocce ball, his dogs, the San Francisco Giants, the San Diego Chargers, and spending time with friends and family.
Tom is survived by his loving wife Nancy and devoted children Amber McMahon Danno (Marc) and Kelly McMahon. His loyal yellow Labrador Riley misses Tom immensely. Tom is also survived by sister Debbie Cogan and brothers Bill McMahon and Leon McMahon. His lively spirit, generosity, and contagious smile will be missed by all who knew him.
Friends and family are invited to a memorial service on Saturday, July 11, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Valley Community Church, 4455 Del Valle Pkwy in Pleasanton. A reception will follow at Campo di Bocce, 175 E. Vineyard Ave in Livermore. Donations may be made to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Contra Costa Times on Jul. 5, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Tom McMahon

Sponsored by East Bay Times.

29 Entries

June 29, 2019

Gone but not forgotten. While I struggled through life experiences you would always say --"Don't Quit!" And I didn't! Thank you.

les Mahler

January 6, 2019

Tom i know its been years since your passing. But i just wanted to tell you, you are not forgotten. I remembered the day we met at ohlone college in the 1970s
I was student reporter on the monitor covering student council, and then few years later I became second student rep to board of trustees may. Memories from those year are filled with joy, smiles and happiness, and in all those memories. You're are always there. Thank you for your. Leadership skills, guidance and
counseling

Leslie Souders now Zimmer

November 16, 2016

Nancy, I just saw this and am so sorry to hear this sad news. I remember him, you, and little Amber with a lot of love 30 years ago when little Mitch and I used to babysit for you. I'd love to catch [email protected]

Jeannette Guthrie

May 21, 2016

Dear Nancy, Amber, and Kelly. I just learned of Tom's passing and wanted to send my heart felt sympathies to his family. I was an older student at Ohlone when I met Tom and he counseled me throughout my years there and then gently pushed me to continue at Cal State Hayward. I couldn't have gotten my BA Psychology or stayed sane through other life experiences without his help. The last time we spoke he was so happy with the new home in Pleasanton. My heart aches that you have lost him, but his legacy lives on with Amber, Kelly, me and so many others lives he touched. May God bless you all.

Rachel Ferrantino-Belkin

October 16, 2015

My heartfelt condolences to Tom's family and friends. I met Tom while working at Ohlone. If I'm not mistaken, I think we started around the same time in 1986. He was an excellent counselor and a very nice man. He had a friendly, approachable, easy manner about him and a friendly smile. He was also very intelligent and had a good sense of humor, I loved his newspaper articles. He brought out the best in people. He made a difference in this world. He will be missed

Suzy Willcox

July 30, 2015

Dear Nancy, I was so sorry to come across this sad news. You have often been in my thoughts. I am glad we got a chance to reconnect, and explore Philadelphia together. I loved hearing about your family, the wedding, and your move to San Diego. You and Tom built a beautiful life together. I send love and prayers.

Sally Bratton

July 14, 2015

Dear Nancy and family. Tom was one of the first faculty to befriend me when I started the health center at Ohlone in 1996. He was so caring and encouraging and funny. He always did or said something to make me laugh. He nurtured me through a divorce and helped me remain sane. I am so sorry he is gone but will never ever forget his dedication to his students, family and life. Our dinner with the Bakers was sooo much fun.
Huge hugs and prayers during this very tough time. His legacy in his books, presentations, and appearances will always live on. He always showed up every day expecting an adventure.

Judy Kruppenbacher

July 12, 2015

Nancy, Amber and Kelly,
I spent many wonderful years as Tom's colleague in both the psychology and counseling departments at Ohlone College. He repeatedly made me laugh until I cried. We had so much fun and I will always have fond and wonderful memories of our years together.
He was loving and caring and a great teacher and counselor much loved by his students. I am so saddened by his passing but he will always live on in my heart.

Erin Rohrer-Alves

July 11, 2015

Nancy, (& girls)

I am so sorry and so sad to hear of Tom's passing. I have such amazing memories of him as a young girl at Gomes Elementary, babysitting your girls and then at Ohlone College. His kind heard and generous spirit will never be forgotten. My heart breaks for you all - it is never easy to lose a spouse/parent. I pray for you in this difficult time. Blessings.

Melissa and Bill Palleschi

July 10, 2015

Nancy and family, Bill and I were so very sorry to hear about Tom. We have wonderful memories of both of you from your Fremont Days and Niles Congregational Church. Memories of the Niles Congregational Softball team were part of our discussion about Tom this week. Just this past Christmas we purchased Tom's book "It works for Us" for our son Greg and his Wife that have a 2 year old daughter. At the time Bill bought an extra one for our son Micheal and his wife who are expecting a little boy. We rremember Tom wanting suggestions for his book on older children, since our sons were in their preteen and teen years at the time. He had a impact on many and his warm personality enhanced all our lives.

Guin Van Dyke

July 9, 2015

Dear Nancy; I am so saddened by your loss. I am someone from your distant past - Ohlone College Child Lab where our daughters (Sarae and Kelly) spent a lot of time together and still remain FaceBook friends.
I remember the kind and gentle soles you and Tom where and how much time he gave to those around him. I too still have his parenting books and will treasure them for my children.
I wish I could be at the service on Saturday but I have two Committments, one to the Animals at Valley Humane each Saturday. My heart aches for you the girls and Riley.
Hugs to you all, keep in touch.
[email protected]

Wendy Carter

July 9, 2015

Dearest McMahon Family,
You all have lost a great man. Tom and I met in 2008 or so in the Alameda County Juvenile Justice Center in Unit 1. I worked as a Juvenile Institutional Officer for 28 years; and I have worked with a variety of volunteers. Tom was a rare and true volunteer. Tom commited himself to working with young men of various ages. Tom had the beautiful gift of lifting the spirit of many young men who felt that sense of hopelessness. By actively listening. From time to time Tom gave me advice on how to cope with a few challenges with my own children at home. Heaven has gained a REAL steward. Tom if I continue to live life patterned by your practice; one day we'll meet again in our real home "Heaven". Forever Rest Peacefully Tom.

Rosemary O'Neill

July 9, 2015

Tom lived, loved, and laughed. His generous heart and caring presence cast a warm glow on all of us.

Tom was much loved, respected and admired by his Ohlone family.
He was a remarkable man, leader, and mentor to all.
His lecture classes were packed, with students waiting at the door.

My colleague and friend, he inspired me everyday. And best of all, he made me laugh out loud. I miss you friend. Live on, as you do in my heart.

He loved his work, his students, his friends, and most of all his cherished family and Riley.

Sending my condolences and love to you, Nancy, Kelly and Amber,

~Rosemary

Geoff Hirsch

July 9, 2015

Sincere condolences.

Linda Haws

July 8, 2015

Tom was my counselor at Ohlone College. He was so kind, knowledgeable and always made time for me. With his help, I achieved the status of Valedictorian in 1989. Thank you, and RIP, Tom.

Lenore Landavazo

July 7, 2015

Tom made such a sweet impression on me; he was asked to give me tips when I was teaching Psy 101 and after he did he would stroll by weekly to be sure I didn't have any questions or need anything. I was so touched by his thoughtfulness and kindness. He always had a smile and his backpack :)
See you on the other side, dear Prof. McMahon
You are one who really did make a difference.

Carolyn Coleman

July 7, 2015

Dear Nancy, We are deeply saddened to hear of Tom's passing. We will always remember his enthusiasm and can't think of softball at Niles UCC without thoughts of you both. Our prayers are with you always.
Carolyn and Rick Coleman

Adele Mitchell

July 7, 2015

Professor McMahon was so upbeat and caring; he always inspired me and I enjoyed some good talks with him. He always talked about his family. Many condolences and to all of you. A truly kind and great professor lives on in so many lives.

-A.Mitchell

Faye Smith

July 7, 2015

Dear Nancy and family...My thoughts and prayers are with you. I always enjoyed visiting with Tom and comparing counseling issues. He was a great guy and will certainly be missed by all who new him.
God bless.

Carrie Dameron

July 7, 2015

Tom was an excellent instructor. I nejoyed working with him at Ohlone. My prayers to his friends and family.

Vicki Curtis

July 7, 2015

Tom always found time to mentor newer faculty, yet in a way that made you feel like a seasoned colleague, not a newbie. Peace to Tom and his family.

Jim Wright

July 7, 2015

I would like to add my sincere condolences to Nancy, his children and the rest of Tom's family for their loss.
Tom was a cherished member of the Ohlone College family. He was a passionate educator and someone who made other people's lives better by the way he lived his. Tom was a kind, caring, and incredibly giving person. He was highly respected by everyone for his commitment to the community college mission and his staunch advocacy for students. We will surely miss him, but his legacy lives on with the hundreds and hundreds of students and colleagues who were positively impacted by this remarkable man.
Personally, I feel blessed to have had Tom as a trusted professional colleague and supportive personal friend. I take solace knowing he is now resting in eternal peace.

Tracy LaVelle

July 6, 2015

Dear Nancy, Amber and Kelly, We are deeply saddened to hear of Tom's passing. I remember all of the prep that went into filming an episode of Good Morning America with some of the tips from It Works For Us. Tom was one of the most caring people I had the privilege of knowing. His warm smile, happy spirit and zest for life will be remembered. Such a unique man taken way too soon. My heart goes out to all of you and I am so sorry.

July 6, 2015

Professor McMahon was an exceptional teacher. He was passionate about the subject matter and helping his students succeed. I enjoyed taking courses from him at Ohlone around 1998 to 1999. I remember seeing him at the CSUH library a few years later when I was near graduation. We had a great time catching up and visiting. He is gone way too soon and will never be forgotten.

Jennifer Bernstein(Freitas)

Peter Hendrickse

July 5, 2015

My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Tom. He was our student government advisor when I served as ASOC President at Ohlone College 1979-1980. I can still recall the wonderful weekend we spent at his cabin. A wonderful teacher, mentor anf friend to all of us. May you find comfort in your faith and in the many memories you shared. God bless.
Peter Hendrickse , Cape Town, South Africa

Jeff Baker

July 5, 2015

Tom McMahon was an amazing man. I grew up with Tom, as my father was a colleague and personal friend, and have many a fond memory of our time up at his cabin. Professionally, Tom was my first mentor in the California Community College System. I couldn't have asked for a better person from which to learn. He was a true professional, who was incredibly passionate about his work, counseling and teaching students. I watched him transform numerous lives even in the short time I worked with him.
Tom was incredibly funny....he loved to joke around, laugh....he was a true "character". I feel blessed to have known Thomas. (As I called him back in the day.)
My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Nancy, his children and family.

Thea Pex

July 5, 2015

My condolences, my friend and I had a class at Ohlone and we talked about what a great teacher he was. I learned a lot about behavior. Strength and prayers. For the family.

Susan Sprickman

July 5, 2015

To the McMahon family - My condolences on your loss. I recognized Tom's picture from his parenting column. My son is 22 years old now, and between Tom's column and his book, "It Works For Us!", I felt like I had a knowledgeable father figure guiding me through the chaos of early parenting. I have kept his book and will hand it down to my son when he becomes a parent. Tom's wisdom, knowledge and kind guidance will be missed by all parents who had the fortune to have gone to him for advice.

July 5, 2015

To the McMahon family- my condolences on your loss. I recognized Tom's picture from his parenting column. My son was born in 1993 and between Tom's column, and his book, "It Works For Us", I feel, like Tom guided me through my early parenting years. His advice was so thoughtful, I felt like he was a kind father showing me the way to be a good parent. His message was the bright light at the end of a difficult tunnel. I still have his book and will pass it on to my son when he becomes a father. Tom's voice and wisdom will always be remembered!

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