Obituary of Gerald V. McMahon, Sr.

Gerald Vincent McMahon, Sr. "Jerry," 90, of Onondaga Hill passed away on All Saints Day, Wednesday, November 1, 2023, with his loving wife of 64 years, Margaret Noonan McMahon, by his side. Jerry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and older brother.  He led his family by his example of faith, provided for them through his work ethic, demonstrated great charity for others, and was loved by many. Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Margaret, his eight children: Dr. Gerald (Katherine) McMahon, Timothy (Karen) McMahon, Brian (Kathleen) McMahon, Mary Rose (Dr.Keith) Veselik, Stephen (Michele) McMahon, Dr. Maureen (Dr. Timothy) Raczka, Margaret (John) Lloyd and Michael McMahon; 25 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren;  twin sister, Margaret Fredenberg, brothers, Daniel and Edward (Ted) McMahon and sister, Dorothea Harblin, and many nieces and nephews.

Jerry was born on January 10, 1933 in Syracuse, New York to the late Gerald and Mary Downes McMahon. Jerry lived his entire life in the Syracuse/Onondaga Hill area, was a graduate of Central High School and Saint Bonaventure University, and served two years in the United States Army and 6 years in the Army Reserve. Jerry's faith was extremely important to him. He was a member of the Church of St. Michael & St. Peter, Onondaga Hill, for over 60 years and served the Church in various capacities such as Lector, Eucharistic Minister, funeral altar server, collections counter, and religious education instructor. He was a member of the Saint Michael’s Knights of Columbus and past Grand Knight. In 2012 the Diocese of Syracuse awarded Jerry the Immaculata Award for extraordinary service, ministry and devotion.

Jerry worked for over 40 years in the insurance industry in Syracuse, the majority of time with Aetna, where he served as claims manager. He also worked for Travelers Insurance and CNA Insurance.  Jerry loved spending time traveling with his wife and family and at his cottage on Lake Opinicon in Ontario, Canada, where he spent many happy hours fishing and boating with his children and grandchildren and socializing with his large contingent of relatives on the lake. His greatest joy was in quietly, selflessly, lovingly and abundantly supporting and  providing for his wife and children. He particularly enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports, music, academic and artistic activities. Jerry was a devoted fan of Notre Dame and St. Bonaventure sports. He was a man of keen intellect and many talents and interests. He enjoyed literature, poetry, music and was known for his spontaneous rendition of old songs and for his cottage journal which was enjoyed by many. By example and encouragement, he instilled in his children a love for the natural world, an understanding of the value of education and honest hard work, loyalty and a deep dedication to family. To all who knew him, Jerry was what people of faith aspire to be: tender, strong and true. He will be greatly missed by his wide circle of friends and family.

Calling hours will be held from 4 pm to 7 pm on Monday, November 6, 2023 at Edward J Ryan & Son Funeral Home, 3180 Bellevue Ave, Syracuse, NY 13219 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at St. Micahel's St. Peter's Church.  The service will be live-streamed. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Dewitt, NY. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Church of St. Michael and St. Peter, Christian Brothers Academy, Syracuse or St. Bonaventure University.