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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E232-E233]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN MEMORY OF JUDGE KEVIN P. McMAHON
_____
HON. JOE COURTNEY
of connecticut
in the house of representatives
Thursday, February 28, 2019
Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise with great sadness to honor the
life of Connecticut Superior Court Judge Kevin P. McMahon of Niantic,
Connecticut who died too young at the age of 68 on February 18, 2019.
Madam Speaker, when news of Kevin's passing became known all across
the state, there was an enormous outflowing of tributes and praise for
the man described as ``The People's Judge'' for his amazing service in
the criminal courts for over twenty-five years. He presided over big
cases and small cases with great skill, displaying a warm and caring
personality that balanced courtesy and adherence to the law with
compassion for all who appeared before him. He had a sharp, delightful
sense of humor and the court staff in every region he sat were
professionally loyal to him because he treated them all with kindness
and respect. He believed strongly in sharing his knowledge with his
colleagues on the bench. He was an instructor at the Connecticut
Judges' Institute and fellow judges often sought his advice on cases.
Kevin was the president, and lone member, of the Black Point Judges
Association, a position he was honored to hold. His knowledge of the
law, his sense of humor, and, most importantly, his sense of fairness
governed his decisions and made him a great judge.
Kevin was the past president of the New London/Washington County
Providence College Alumni Club. He mentored students from Providence
College, many of whom shadowed him during his time on the bench. The
college honored him by presenting him with the Faithful Friar Award,
and he was a season ticket holder for Providence College Basketball for
many years.
Kevin spent summers at Black Point Beach at his family's summer home.
Eventually, Patti and he became year-round residents. He was a member
of the Black Point Association for many years. Kevin loved being a part
of the beach community and over the years skillfully captained an array
of powerboats. He was an avid reader and a serious student of history.
Kevin was a sports enthusiast, as a loyal fan of the New York Giants,
the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics and had great admiration for Tom
Brady.
Kevin was also a devoted husband to the love of his life Patti
McMahon and they had many happy years together at Black Point Beach
which they made their permanent home. Patti is a highly skilled
paralegal who worked for one of the premier law firms in Hartford--
Riscassi and Davis--and their shared experience in the legal profession
made them the perfect couple.
Mr. Speaker, I had known Kevin for many years when we were interns at
the Hartford
[[Page E233]]
Superior Criminal Court back in the 1970s. I knew from the first day we
met that he was a special person whose sharp mind, quick wit, and
infectious sense of humor stood out immediately. He was born to be a
judge and it was wonderful to watch someone find the perfect spot on
the bench to express his talents to the fullest.
Mr. Speaker we live in a time when cheap politics and cynical
journalism constantly seek to delegitimize the importance of a strong,
respected, independent judiciary. Kevin McMahon's life and record are
the best rebuttal to this corrosive, dangerous trend. All who came in
contact with him could believe in the honesty and goodness of our
judicial system by observing the grace and integrity of his service.
His example will be one for the ages.
Colleagues, please join me in expressing the condolences of the
chamber for his friends and family--particularly his beloved wife
Patti.
____________________
