Richard E. McMahon

Richard E. McMahon
Virginia Beach - Richard Eugene McMahon, Commander, U.S. Navy (Ret), 89, passed away peacefully June 1, 2013.
Cdr. McMahon was born March 26, 1924, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to the late Eugene and Violet McMahon. He served our country proudly with 27 years of distinguished service in the Navy. Cdr. McMahon joined the Navy at 17 years old, where at the time he was one of the youngest pilots in the Navy. During WWII, he served in the Atlantic, Pacific, and European Theaters. Twice he received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his combat achievements. After WWII, he was assigned to a variety of flight and shore duties in Virginia, California, and Florida, to include flight test pilot, air transport pilot, and Administrative Officer at the Naval Operating Base, Norfolk, VA. Retiring from the Navy in 1969 didn't curb Cdr. McMahon's love of flying. He flew private aircraft in support of VIP transport services throughout the east coast and enjoyed each and every flight. As much as Cdr. McMahon loved flying, nothing compared to his love and adoration for his family. In 1967, he built the family cottage in Kitty Hawk, N.C., so he could spend time with them at the beach. He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, and friend. He will be deeply missed. He is preceded in death by first wife, Constance McMahon.
Left to cherish his memory are: wife, Margaret G. McMahon; two sons: Richard E. McMahon and Stephen E. McMahon, Maj. USMC (Ret.); two daughters: Janis E. McMahon and Patricia E. McMahon Cahoon; four step-sons: George H. Gardner III, Cdr. USN (Ret), James A. Gardner, Cdr. USN (Ret.), William N. Gardner, and Robert B. Gardner; and their families, comprising numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
Burial at Arlington National Cemetery with honors will be at a later date. Please share your condolences with the family at www.mem.com