Joseph "Joe" James McMahon

Joseph James “Joe” McMahon, passed away unexpectedly on May 28, 2024, in Denver, Colorado. Joe was a cherished husband, brother, uncle, colleague, and friend who brought happiness to all he met throughout his 60 years.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents Rita and Peter Vincent “Vince” McMahon. He is survived by his wife Leanne Witherspoon McMahon, his brother Peter McMahon Jr. (Jen), brothers-in-law Jay Witherspoon (Terry), Paul Witherspoon (Ann), and Todd Witherspoon (Yishow), nephew Grant Witherspoon, nieces McKenna and Landry Witherspoon, and numerous other relatives in Ireland and England.

Joe’s parents Rita and Vince were both born in Ireland (Counties Cork and Clare) and immigrated to the United States in the early 1960s after meeting and marrying in England. Joe was born on October 7, 1963, in Minnesota. The family eventually moved to South San Francisco, where Joe grew up with his parents and younger brother. As he grew older, Joe developed a love of sailing and enjoyed sailboat racing. The family spent month-long trips every summer in Ireland, with stops in England, which helped Joe develop his life-long love of travel and adventure.

Wise beyond his years, Joe graduated from Santa Clara University in 1985. He worked for years as a successful operations and procurement specialist, starting in the computer business in California, moving for his job to Denver, and then working in the telecom industry for many years until he retired in 2020.

In 2001, Joe married his love Leanne Witherspoon. Together they were able to live a life of active engagement with the world around them, traveling to wonderful locations, including some of Joe’s favorites Thailand, Greece, Tahiti, and Bora Bora. Joe loved to scuba dive around the world and was great at planning exciting and adventurous trips where he and Leanne were able to try new things, eat amazing food and befriend people along the way who allowed them to experience exotic places and cultures through locals’ eyes.

As an avid Denver Broncos, CU Buffs, and Colorado Avalanche fan (the Avs who he had followed since the time they were the Nordiques), Joe enjoyed cheering on his sports teams as well as playing golf himself. He also had an incredible love for his dogs over the years with Leanne: Cassidy, Cody, Jake, and Remi, and was devoted to each one. Common threads throughout his life include a knack for the newest technology, a love of movies and music, books, as well as concerts, the theater, opera, and the symphony. All of these passions combined with his love of good food and fine wine,

allowed Joe to keep his love of learning and having new experiences going throughout his life.

A Celebration of Life to honor Joe will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, family and friends who would like to honor Joe could make a donation in his name to any of the organizations close to Joe’s heart: the Denver Dumb Friends League, Food Bank of the Rockies, or Mountain Pet Rescue. Another option is to make a donation to Leanne to go to a fund for a commemorative bench plaque for Joe at Denver City Park near the Pavilion where Joe and Leanne were married. The Denver Park Trust Commemorative Bench Program helps to grow and improve Denver’s park system.

Joe will be remembered as a loving and generous husband, brother, uncle, colleague, and friend. His kindness, wisdom, and the joy he brought to every gathering and life experience will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.