Paul Francis McMahon 93, of Middletown, R.I., passed away peacefully on October 10, 2026.
Paul was born in Providence, R.I., on March 22, 1933. He grew up in Washington, D.C. with his mother Clara, father James Patrick and his two elder boys Tom and Jim. The three brothers would either be helping their mother around the house or spending endless time sneaking on golf courses in the neighborhood. Paul attended Gonzaga high school and during his junior year was recruited to Georgetown University to join the golf team skipping his senior year. During Paul’s time in college, he felt a higher calling and went into the seminary at Assumption University focusing on psychology and theology. He then spent the next several years ministering to many around the area of Pawtucket, R.I.
During his time in Pawtucket, Paul met his beloved Patsy, and they pivoted himself to a family life, settling in Middletown, R.I. He went on to become the State of RI’s program director to serve those with severe disabilities and worked tirelessly to ensure all were given equality in care. He joined civil rights protection groups and advocated strongly for all those with a disability of any kind. Paul found much joy and ongoing learning in golfing, skiing, sailing, gardening, and art. He loved learning foreign languages, historical reading, and sharing many days of travel with his wife Patsy throughout his adult life.
In his later years, he took loving care of his wife before her passing a year ago. May they rest together in eternal peace.
Paul is survived by his daughter, Ellen McMahon and son-in-law Arik Goff; his grandson, Luke Goff; his granddaughter Grace Goff; and many adoring nieces and nephews: Eileen Evans; Mary McNally; and James, Peter, Daniel, Andrew, Sharon, Patrick, Michael, Paul, Maureen, and Timothy McMahon; Sholeh Sobhany; Trish Buchanan; Laney Lane; and Chris Lane.
Visiting hours will be held at O’Neill-Hayes Funeral Home, 465 Spring St, Newport, on Thursday, October 23, 2026 from 5-7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Augustin’s Church, corner of Carroll & Harrison Ave, Newport, on Saturday, October 24th, 2026 at 10:00 am. Burial will be private.
Charitable donations may be made to Sail to Prevail Inc., P.O. Box 1264, Newport, RI 02840, https://sailtoprevail.org/support/
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