Thomas J. McMahon, Sr.

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Thomas John McMahon, Sr. of Bowie, Maryland on May 21, 2024. He was 70 years old. He passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family after a ten-year battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. While we grieve Tommy’s loss, we are joyful in knowing that he is at home with his Savior and is smiling once again. 

Tommy, son of the late Harry and Norma McMahon, was born on June 5, 1953, in Baltimore, Maryland. He grew up in Bowie, Maryland, graduated from Bowie High School in 1972, and attended Frostburg State University, where he had the opportunity to live out his football glory days. He loved to say that he majored in “eligibility,” but he earned his bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education in 1976. He spent several years working as a special education and physical education teacher for P.G. County schools and later at New Covenant Christian Academy before moving into his eventual career at Adams-Burch, Inc., where he spent 33 years in sales and management. Tommy’s integrity and good-natured disposition contributed to his steady success both at work and in the community he loved so much.

Tommy treasured his family and friends. He was a fun-loving family man, who deeply loved people and sports—especially his “Washington Redskins.” His friends and family will always remember him as generous, competitive, hospitable, musical and maybe the happiest guy around. His laugh and smile were infectious and always lit up the room.

Tommy was firm and unwavering in his Christian faith. He came to know Christ as a young college student and went on to work in Christian ministry for the rest of his life. He could not keep the good news to himself: he invested time in Young Life, men’s Bible studies, small groups, and even helped establish Christ Covenant Church in Bowie with several close friends. He remained a faithful member and elder there for several decades. Even until recent years when his memory was fading, Tommy loved to sing the songs he knew by heart and could still be found worshiping every week with his local church family at Living Hope Church in Crofton. 

Despite a full and active life in his work and community, Tommy prioritized spending time with the family he created with his beautiful wife, Jeanne. Together Jeanne and Tommy enjoyed being active and invested parents and grandparents, coaching and cheering on little league sports and wrestling matches, attending numerous piano and ballet recitals, homeschooling their four children, traveling across the world, hosting a variety of family parties and church and neighborhood events in their home, and vacationing every summer with friends and family at “The Beach” in Delaware. Tommy and Jeanne’s home was always open to all and they provided a safe haven for many people in need, welcoming them as part of the family. Tommy also loved spending time with his and Jeanne’s siblings, nieces, nephews, and with friends he made and kept throughout the years, many of those relationships spanning many decades.

Tommy is survived by his beloved wife, Jeanne, of 42 years, daughter, Kate Etter (Josh) and sons, TJ McMahon Jr., Patrick McMahon (Rachel L.), and Matthew McMahon (Rachel G.). He is also survived by his nine grandchildren, Grace Etter, Annabelle Etter, Andrew Etter, Elisabeth Etter, Lucy McMahon, Colin McMahon, Madelyn McMahon, Isla McMahon, and Molly McMahon. He leaves behind his older brother Harry McMahon (Linda) and his younger sister Jean Andrews (Brent), as well as his many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Kathy Rosekrans (Tony), Peggy Oates (Skip), and Patty Pfleegor (Jimmy). Since December of 2019, two angels, Regina Smith and Donna Owens, were caring for Tommy whenever Jeanne was out of the home. We thank God for them and how they loved him like one of their own family members.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 4th from 6:00-8:00 PM at Beall Funeral Home (6512 Crain Hwy, Bowie, MD 20715). The memorial service will be held the following day, June 5th, which would have been Tommy’s 71st birthday, at 1:00 PM at CrossPointe Church (365 Jones Station Rd. Arnold, MD 21012). The family hopes you join them in the Fellowship Hall following the service for birthday cake and ice cream in honor of Tommy’s first birthday in heaven.