Described by those closest to him as an engaging intellectual and a modern day Renaissance man, Bruce Mahon also was remembered for his sincerity and sensitivity, a side reflected in his many acts of kindness.
“He was a remarkable guy, so well rounded and complete,” said his daughter Martha Bullen. “He was open and generous, with a presence about him that was truly special.”
The former corporate executive always kept in mind the best interests of those he loved, family members said.
“He never wanted to be a burden to us later in life,” said another daughter, Kirsten McKay. “He was so organized he wrote a memo years ago titled `What to Do in the Event of Bruce Mahon’s Death’ that gave us guidance on everything from finances to funeral homes. Right up until the end, he was sparing us of any unnecessary agony.”
Mr. Mahon, 72, of Glen Ellyn, previously of Elmhurst, a retired CPA and former vice president with Heller International in Chicago, died of complications related to pneumonia Saturday, Feb. 19, in Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield.
Mr. Mahon was born and raised in Elmhurst, and graduated from York Community High School. He received a bachelor’s degree in humanities from the University of Chicago, where he also received a master’s and later went on to get his CPA.
“Even back then, Bruce showed an unusual degree of confidence and enthusiasm for life that was inspiring,” said Dennis Franklin, a close friend from college. “It was as if he already knew there was a full and gratifying life in store for him.”
From 1955 to 1957 Mr. Mahon served in the military, based in East and North Africa with the Army Audit Agency. He then became a financial manager for Procter & Gamble, assigned to its office in Cincinnati, and later Oakland, Calif.
In 1959 Mr. Mahon married his first wife, Mary. The couple returned to the Chicago area, where he accepted a management consultant position with Arthur Young and Co. He then served for several years as the assistant controller for International Harvester Corp. in Chicago, until his appointment to chief financial officer of American National Bank of Chicago. He later became the vice president of corporate planning for Heller International in Chicago.
“My father’s days were filled with numbers, but he never abandoned his intellectual or creative side,” Bullen said. “I remember him coming home from work and then sitting down at the piano. He hated the TV, but loved small talk and could read for hours.”
Before retiring in his late 60s, Mr. Mahon was the interim financial officer for various organizations, including the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra and two NCAA athletic organizations. He also served as a warden, vestryman, chairman of finance and choir member at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Glen Ellyn.
In his retirement, Mr. Mahon also served on the board of the Central DuPage Pastoral Counseling Center, the Torch Club and the Association of Psychological Type.
“Whenever any person or organization needed him, he was there,” said McKay. “He’d drop whatever he was doing to help them out.”
Mary Mahon died in 1982. Mr. Mahon was married in 1984 to his second wife, Jeannine, who died four years ago.
Mr. Mahon also is survived by a son, Paul; two more daughters, Jan DeFelice and Gretchen Leider; and eight grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday in Leonard Memorial Home, 565 Duane St., Glen Ellyn. Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 393 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn.
