Kenneth W. Mahon

1945 - 2022

Retired Brig. General Kenneth W. Mahon, Connecticut Air National Guard, of Windsor, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2022, at the age of 76, at Saint Francis Hospital in Hartford, CT. He was born in Brooklyn, NY, on December 12, 1945, son of the late William and Dorothy (Miller) Mahon. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Janet (Yeager) Mahon; his children, Elizabeth Couluris and her husband John, William Mahon and his wife Melissa, and Jeffrey Mahon; his grandchildren, Vivien Mahon, Weston Mahon, and Austin Couluris; his sister, Patricia Wachtler; and his cousin, Pamela Chiarolanza. A graduate of Saint John's University, Ken discovered early in life that he had a passion for flying. He received his commission in the U.S. Navy in 1967, where he served as a Navigator Instructor for Antarctic missions. He then joined the Connecticut Air Guard in 1973 and upon completion of advanced aviation training became a fighter pilot in 1974. From 1975 to 1995 Ken served in a number of positions at the Guard until he was named Commander and appointed Chief of Staff, Connecticut Air National Guard. He was promoted to Brigadier General and federally recognized on March 14, 1996. He received the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Connecticut Medal of Merit, to name a few. Flying numerous types of tactical aircraft, Ken ended his military flying career in the A-10 Thunderbolt II and retired in 1997. From 1981 to 2007 Ken was also the corporate aviation manager and chief pilot for The Travelers/Citigroup operations in Connecticut and White Plains, NY. Among other responsibilities, he coordinated flights for corporate business meetings to destinations worldwide. As chief pilot, he flew many international flights for the company CEO and corporate executive staff. Ken was a dedicated family man, working hard his entire life to ensure his children had every opportunity to succeed. He loved the outdoors, especially scenic drives in the countryside. In the later years, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren in CT or Florida and traveling on various cruises. Even after a suffering a major stroke eight years ago, Ken always maintained a positive attitude and a fighting spirit. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. His family will receive friends and relatives on Saturday, February 19, 2022, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Carmon Poquonock Funeral Home, 1816 Poquonock Ave, Windsor, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM at Saint Joseph Church, 1747 Poquonock Ave, Windsor. Burial with military honors will follow at Windsor Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Windsor. To express condolences online go to www.carmonfuneralhome.com