Robert McMahon, 35, never had a chance to meet his second son who was born in January 2002, although he had recently finished renovating their home preparing for his arrival. He had met his wife while volunteering at a camp for children with cancer. McMahon was a man of many interests and seemed always in motion. “I used to call him MacGyver,” said a friend, “because he pretty much could do anything. If he didn’t know how to do something, he would do it anyway, and he would do it really well.”
This 9-year FDNY veteran was also working towards a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts with a focus on painting and photography. Ladder Co. 20 is located on the border of Little Italy and SoHo, Manhattan’s premier arts district at the time. He loved where he was and his access to both good art and good food. He knew the best local vendors for fresh mozzarella or ravioli and GQ once featured his lasagna recipe. “You’ve got to use fresh Italian parsley,” he said. “It’s the fresh ingredients women love.”
Thinking of this man today as I do each year on this day. I had the pleasure of meeting his lovely wife and two sons when my mother babysat for the boys. I never met Bobby, but I could picture him walking through the door and lifting his toddlers with the love and warmth he left in the home where they lived. I often think about Julie, Matthew, and Patrick. My mom has since passed as well and I remember always seeing the Christmas card from the McMahons and reading Julie’s kind note to our family when we went through our loss. I used to work downtown and I remember the first time I pulled up in a taxi beside the rig with Bobby’s name across it and it made me smile. It was like seeing a familiar face that I never before met…it was like he waved at me.
Described often as a gentleman by those I heard speak of him, his name stands tall on the street where his home lived and where I got to know his lovely family. I will never comprehend why things happen, but from personal experience, I am CONVINCED God only takes the absolute best so young…I salute your bravery today and everyday for you will always be remembered a hero Bobby! Rest easy. #legendsneverdie
Thinking of you and your family today.