It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of William C. “Bill” McMahon, Jr, a kind and loving man who touched the lives of many. Bill, 74, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2025 in Akron, OH, surrounded by his wife, son, and daughter-in-law. Born in Des Plaines, IL on December 10, 1950 to Helen and William Sr, Bill grew up in La Grange, IL and graduated from Northern Illinois University, where he met his beloved wife, Kathy. He served in the Army Reserve as a Drill Sergeant for six years and then followed his lifelong passion for railroading into a nearly 30 year career at Grand Trunk Western Railroad/Canadian National Railway in Detroit, MI. He was later transferred back to the Chicago area where he spent nearly two decades in railroad logistics for BP Amoco. Bill enjoyed traveling, reading, and following his own NIU Huskies, attending many games and tailgates. He leaves behind cherished friends and loved ones, including his wife Kathlene, son Mark (Brittany), granddaughter Zooey, sister Chris (Charlie), sister-in law Michelle (Bob), Brother-in-law Bob (Lynette) and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at 2:30PM on April 9, 2025, at Rose Hill Funeral Home in Fairlawn, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rail Passengers Association at railpassengers.org
