Richard S. "Mac" McMahon

WORCESTER – Richard S. “Mac” McMahon, 77, passed away on March 6, 2025, after a long battle with lung cancer, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Mac was born in Worcester in 1947 to Helen (Hayes) and John F. McMahon. A lifelong and proud resident of Grafton Hill—his beloved “Valhalla”—he often said that everything you needed could be found on the Hill.

He leaves behind his daughter, Kathleen “Katie” McMahon, and her husband, Matthew Marcel; his son, Tijean Pluverge, and his partner, Lily Lima; his cherished grandson, Tijean Mac Pluverge; his brother, James “Jimmy” McMahon; and his nephew Christopher McMahon and his wife Erin McMahon. He is also survived by many other beloved nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews. He is predeceased by his brothers, John F. McMahon Jr., Michael J. McMahon, and Christopher T. McMahon and his parents Helen and John McMahon. In addition to his family, he leaves behind many lifelong friends and teammates.

Mac graduated from Doherty High School and later attended Quinsigamond Community College. He worked for many years as a custodian in the Worcester Public Schools, most notably at Clark Street School. Known for his kindness, Mac had a unique way of connecting with students, often taking those struggling with behavior under his wing—giving both the student and their teacher a much-needed break. This taught his daughter, Katie, that every student deserves a champion and second chance when she became a Special Education teacher and then department head at South High School. He would always remind her that kids needed to learn that they matter much more than curriculum and that she was teaching future citizens first and foremost, not future doctors, lawyers, or businessmen.

A hall-of-fame athlete, Mac excelled in basketball, baseball, and football. A true scholar of sports, he was known for his impossible catches and speed—talents that would be remembered for generations to come. His love of athletics extended to his family, and he could be found nearly every night at a high school game. He was his son Tijean’s biggest fan, never missing a game and often coaching passionately from the sidelines—sometimes to the dismay of officials. In recent years, he continued this tradition with his grandnieces and grandnephews, but nothing brought him greater joy than watching his grandson, Tijean Mac, play. He would drive hours to see him compete, endlessly proud of his natural talent, strong fundamentals, and most of all his sportsmanship.

Mac’s dry sense of humor, unwavering support for the underdog, and quiet kindness will be missed by everyone who knew him.

A period of calling hours will be held at Callahan, Fay & Caswell Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St.,  on Monday, March 10 from 4pm-7pm. Mac's Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, March 11 at 1030am at St. John’s Church, 40 Temple Street. Burial will follow at St. John's Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mac’s name to his favorite team, the Doherty High School football program, at 299 Highland Street Worcester, MA 01602 attention to the football team.