Thomas Timothy McMahon

September 5, 1932 - February 25, 2026

Thomas Timothy McMahon, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully of natural causes on February 25, 2026, at the age of 93. His life was one of courage, faith, sacrifice, and quiet devotion to both his family and his country.

Thomas was born on September 5, 1932, in New York City, New York, to Joseph Thomas and Christine Landher McMahon. His early childhood was spent in the lower east side of Manhattan and later in the Washington Heights and Inwood neighborhoods of upper Manhattan.

Thomas's young life was marked by hardship, defined by remarkable resilience. In 1940, at just eight years old, he and his younger brother Robert were placed in the Bethlehem Children's Home of Staten Island, operated by the Lutheran Church, Missouri-Synod. He lived there for seven formative years. After his mother, remarried, Thomas and his brother moved to Lorain, Ohio, where a new chapter began.

At the age of 16, Thomas joined the United States Navy. He completed his basic training at Great Lakes Naval Station near Chicago, Illinois, and was selected to attend submarine school in New London, Connecticut. Upon qualifying, he was assigned aboard the submarine USS Pickerel, stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. During a training dive, the submarine experienced difficulty surfacing, and descended below its certified depth. This life- changing experience changed him and deepened Thomas's faith and strengthened his spiritual convictions.

Born Roman Catholic and raised in a Lutheran orphanage. In a moment that would shape his eternal future, he stepped off a bus searching for a Lutheran congregation, but instead found a congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. There he met Geraldine Higuchi, a recent convert. Their shared faith blossomed into love, and they were married for time and all eternity on June 6, 1952, in the Laie Hawaii Temple.

After six years of enlisted service, Thomas attained the rank of Petty Officer Second Class (E-5). Thomas left the Navy to pursue higher education at Brigham Young University, graduating in 1957, and earning a Bachelor of Science degree. After graduation, he was accepted into Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, and upon graduation was commissioned as an Ensign (O-1) in the United States Navy.

Thomas completed extensive military training, including underwater demolition and scuba school. Though his greatest wish was to return to submarine service as an officer, the Navy's transition from diesel- electric to nuclear- powered submarines, led him to the surface fleet, where he served aboard a destroyer stationed in Long Beach, California. His career later led him into Naval Intelligence, with assignments, both in the United States and overseas, including Japan, where he received the distress call of the USS Pueblo, and in support of Military Assistance Command Vietnam. (MAC-V).

Over the course of his distinguished 28 – year naval career, Thomas rose steadily through the ranks, achieving the rank of Commander. He was a proud veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars. Having first served as an enlisted sailor, and later, as a commissioned officer, he was respected as a " Mustang," an officer who has risen through the enlisted ranks. He wore his silver dolphins with pride, and his Good Conduct medal. He retired from the United States Navy at the age of 48, having served his country with honor, courage, and humility.

Following his retirement, Thomas, Geraldine and the girls moved to Provo, Utah, where Thomas attended Utah Technical College for additional training and worked for Kofford trucking before accepting a calling as head custodian of the Provo Utah stake, where he served faithfully for many years.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints, Thomas was called and served as a Seventy and served in many callings, including Bishop, High Councilman, Stake Sunday School Presidency, home teacher and ordinance worker in the Seattle temple. One of his most cherished callings was ministering to inmates at the Wells Correctional Facility in Wells, Nevada, where his compassion and testimony touched many lives.

Thomas and Geraldine shared a deep love of travel and adventure. They filled their lives with family road trips, camping excursions, and traveled throughout the United States and Canada. Thomas had a curious and inventive spirit and loved technology, gadgets, folding boats, bicycles, cameras, and exploring new ideas. At age 79, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by embarking on a two-month freight voyage, cruise through the Suez Canal and into China, stopping at many ports along the way and embracing adventure even in his later years.

In Geraldine's later years, as her health declined due to Alzheimer's disease, Thomas cared for her devotedly in Gig Harbor, Washington. After her passing, he remained there for several years before moving to Lindon, Utah, to spend his final years, surrounded by family. Despite the challenges of dementia, his gentle spirit, quiet strength, and deep love for his family remained evident to all who knew him.

Thomas is survived by four children: Dr. J. Thomas McMahon (Commander, USN Retired) of Gig Harbor, Washington; Dave McMahon (JoAnne) Lake Arrowhead, California; Erin (Kent Zabriskie) of Lindon, Utah; and Kathleen (Lee Eggertsen) of Pleasant Grove, Utah. 10 grandchildren; and eight great- grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his parents; wife, Geraldine and Brother Robert.

Thomas's life was a testament to endurance and grace. His family finds comfort in knowing he is reunited with his beloved Geraldine and at peace after a life well lived. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Graveside and Military services will be held on Wednesday, March 11 at 11 AM at Haven Of Rest Gig Harbor, Washington.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Serenity Hospice of Pleasant Grove and his compassionate care team -Shauntel, Suzanne, Kerri, Alondra, Allyson and Michelle- for their loving care, kindness, and support during his final year. Their service brought comfort, dignity, and peace to Thomas and his family, and their kindness will never be forgotten.

Thank you also to Olpin Family Mortuary of Pleasant Grove, Utah and Neural Effects of Provo, Utah