William J. McMahon

03/18/2004

William J. McMahon, 73, of 123 Ashuelot St. died Thursday at Berkshire Medical Center, where he was admitted Jan. 18. Mr. McMahon signed with the Red Sox in 1949 and pitched well in the minors with the Oneonta Red Sox. His professional career was cut short after three years because of shoulder problems. In June 2002, The Berkshire Eagle sports department ranked him No. 16 on the Eagle's list of top 50 athletes of the 20th century from Berkshire County. Born in Pittsfield on July 7, 1930, son of William D. and Rachel Sidway McMahon, he was a 1949 graduate of St. Joseph's High School in Pittsfield, where he was a hitting and pitching star. He also was a pitching star for the Brass Rail baseball teams of 1948-49, helping the Railers place third in the 1948 all-American amateur baseball tournament in Johnstown, Pa., by winning three games in less than a week. In 1949, he returned to Johnstown and helped pitch the team to a national title. Mr. McMahon was a carpenter for many years for George Emerson, and retired in 1992 from Crane & Co. after 16 years as a millwright. He was an avid fan of crossword puzzles and was always ready with a joke. He was known for assisting family and friends with carpentry projects. His wife, the former Joanne Shuster, whom he married Nov. 11, 1950, died March 30, 1994. They were married in St. Charles' Church. He leaves four daughters, Cherie L. McMahon of Dalton, Susan J. Williams of Berkshire Village, Patricia A. Knysh of Pittsfield and Martha E. Tobin of Naples, Fla.; two sons, William D. McMahon and Daniel J. McMahon, both of Dalton; four sisters, Eileen Murphy, Marilyn Johnson, Jean Fitzsimmons and Carol Brennan, all of Pittsfield, and 14 grandchildren. FUNERAL NOTICE -- A Liturgy of Christian Burial for William J. McMahon, who died March 18, 2004, will be celebrated Monday, March 22, at 10 at St. Agnes' Church by the Rev. Christopher Malatesta. Burial will follow in Ashuelot Cemetery. Calling hours will be Sunday from 4 to 7 at BARTLETT-WELLINGTON FUNERAL HOME, 525 Main St. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Mr. McMahon's memory be made to the Dalton Youth Center for summer camperships. He leaves 14 grandchildren, Lucas, Joshua and Jacob Williams, Lindsey and Jennifer Knysh, Kyle and Kelcey Jones, Matthew and Jesse Tobin and Cameron, Colin, Rachel, Ryan and Kelly McMahon.

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William J. McMahon

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Can someone give me information on Billy & Joanne reason for passing. Both were such healthy people. I cannot find Joannes Obituary so please if you will direct me to it; we were great friends back in H/S. Billy & I were close friends for a long time along with Joanne!!
from: John Reddington	on: 03-16-2022

so sorry to read of your passing when I returned to Pittsfield Billy. we had some real great years at StJoe & the Brass Rail. I can't believe you & Joanne passed at such an early age. My prayers to you both; may you rest in peace in Gods kingdom! I hope neither of you suffered !!
from: John Reddington	on: 03-16-2022