Dennis R. McMahon

Dennis Richard McMahon Jr (LTC, U.S. Army Retired), age 93, of Pompano Beach, FL (formerly of West Hartford, CT and Winterville, NC) went to the Lord on Saturday, July 30, 2022. Whether you knew him as Dennis, Mac, Dad, or Papa, he was a man of action, with a ‘live for today’ approach to life. He was dedicated to serving God and his Church community, his Country and his family.

Born to Dennis R. and Violet (Pat) McMahon Sr in Scranton, PA, October 17, 1928, he was an only child, spending his early life between the NY Catskills, Miami Beach, FL and Long Branch, NJ, eventually settling with family and graduating from West Orange HS in 1946. Enlisting immediately, Mac’s military career spanned more than 21 years proudly serving in WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. In the Service he earned many medals, awards, and his college degree. He achieved Master Army Aviator status, and retired as an elite pilot of both fixed and rotary wing aircraft. Settling his growing family in West Hartford was one of Dennis’s best decisions, providing access to a multitude of opportunities and activities. He served in various roles in the faith communities of St. Helena’s Church and Marriage Encounter, served as PTO President at Conard High School, and spearheaded initiatives for the Buena Vista HOA.

Through his last 25 years at Century Plaza in Pompano Beach, he served in a variety of roles: the parking czar Board member, the self-appointed beach safety officer, a dogged challenger to certain property development, and the long-time beloved bingo night maestro. While at St. Coleman’s Church, he relished the privilege of teaching children in the CCD program.

A world traveler, a successful small business owner, and a committed ‘hausfrau’ in retirement, he strived to bring people together, welcoming them with hugs and blending them into his ‘family’. Papa’s legacy is instilled in the hearts and lives of his surviving 22 grandchildren, 2 nieces and a nephew, and 20 great-grandchildren, with many of their shared stories and bonds created at Camp M&M (Mac & Mel), week-long adventures focused on the joys of life at the beach, playing cards, and learning his dinnertime blessing while holding hands, ‘May the love in my heart pass through these hands to you’.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents and stepparents, Arnold (Pete) Peterson Sr and Alice McMahon; his former wives, Elizabeth Ann (Libby) McMahon, the mother of his six children, and Dr. Maria (Peggy) O’Neil McMahon; his sons, CPT Dennis R. McMahon III and LTC Michael J. McMahon.

He is survived by his wife Dr. Melanie A. Crandall; his daughters Lezle Harris (Jon), Nora Boyer (Dan), Kelly Cook (Dave), Stacie Ferry (Mike), COL Jeanette McMahon (USA Retired) (LTC Michael Hauser USA Retired); step-daughter Ilah Cibis; siblings Patty Enderle (Rich), Camay Arnold, Richard J. McMahon (Ruthie), and Wayne McMahon; brother-in-law Dr. Blane Crandall and sister-in-law Dr. Valerie Jackson and godson, Dave Robertson.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 19, 2022 at West Point, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The West Point Long Gray Line Fund at https://www.westpointaog.org/LonggrayLineFund and the Vietnam Helicopter Pilot Assn (VHPA) Scholarship Fund - Call (800)-505-8472.