[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 37 (Thursday, February 28, 2019)]
[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

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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.

                          ____________________