Rodger H. McMahon
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
April 8, 1930 - July 27, 2026
Rodger H. McMahon passed away peacefully on Monday July 27, 2026, at the age of 96.
Born in Trenton on April 8, 1930, he was a lifelong Hamilton resident.
Rodger was a Hamilton Township Firefighter for more than 50 years, including being the Chief of Rusling Hose from 1960 to 1964.
Predeceased by his wife of 71 years, Shirley A. McMahon (Baggaley); his daughter, Robin L. Buchko; his son, Patrick D. McMahon; his parents, Moses and Sylvia (Waddy) McMahon; his siblings, Francis McMahon, Helen Nutter (Herb), Jack McMahon(Alma) and Wayne McMahon.
He is survived by his son, Timothy (Donna) McMahon of Hamilton NJ; his daughter, Kathleen (David) Adams of Lambertville NJ; a sister, Eileen Snyder of Whiting NJ; 10 grandchildren, Christine Buchko (Michael), Jillian Trought, Beth Buchko (Johnnie), Timothy McMahon (Jamie), Kelley Paletko (Pawel), Ryan McMahon, Sean McMahon (Alexandra), Dana Stadtmueller (Kevin), Justin Adams (Melissa) and Laura Adams; 14 great grandchildren, James and Lacey Trought, Chase and Landon McMahon, Maksym, Arabella, and Adalena Paletko, Eleanor and Evelyn McMahon, Mason, Connor and Delaney McMahon, Nova Stadtmueller and Madelyn Adams; along with many nieces and nephews who always considered him their favorite “Uncle Moose” and “Uncle Roge”.
Rodger’s life was a life of service, after graduating Hamilton High School West in 1949, he joined the Rusling Hose firehouse in 1950 as a volunteer, while pursuing a career as a baseball catcher. Trying out for the Philadelphia A’s and NY Yankees. On the same day he received a 2nd tryout letter from the Yankees he also received his draft letter to serve his country during the Korean War. A bittersweet moment in his life, he joined the US Army from 1951 to 1953 spending 18 months in Korea, serving with the 696th Armored Field Artillery Battalion. Receiving the Korean Service Medal with two bronze stars and the United Nations Service Medal. Upon his return home he became a professional firefighter with Rusling Hose Co. and eventually as a paid driver with the White Horse Volunteer Fire Co.
In retirement, Rodger enjoyed many things and never slowed down. Golfing, fishing and hunting with sons, grandsons and friends. Watching his favorite baseball team, the Philadelphia Phillies and gardening, growing the best Jersey tomatoes around even planting them recently during his time in hospice. Traveling with his wife driving all over the U.S. searching out lighthouses and coastal towns from Maine to Michigan, to Oregon and California and up and down the entire east coast.
His marriage to the love if his life Shirley is a love story for the ages, meeting in the 6th grade walking to Lalor School together, he charmed her by offering to carry her books, then getting married on July 23, 1952, at the ages of 20 and 21. They spent over 71 years of love and laughter together.
His deep love and devotion to his family and his commitment to his community will live on in the hearts of all who knew him and we will carry on his legacy, until we all meet again.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, August 3, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Buklad-Merlino Memorial Home, 2141 South Broad Street, Hamilton
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday August 4, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Buklad0-Merlino Memorial Home.
Burial will follow in Colonial Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Rodger’s memory to:
The New Jersey Firemen’s Home, 565 Lathrop Avenue, Boonton, NJ 07005
Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas, 66675-8516 or online at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/
Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue: https://dvgrr.org/shop/donation/
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