The Chancellor’s Office learned of the passing of Monsignor Joseph Francis Xavier McCahon, 81, retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg and retired U.S. Air Force Chaplain, on Monday, February 3, 2025, at his home in Tampa, Florida.

Monsignor McCahon was born to Joseph and Martha (McNichol) McCahon on August 8, 1943, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A product of Catholic elementary and high schools, he attended Villanova University, in Philadelphia, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Studies, after which he continued his education at the University of Pennsylvania, obtaining a Masters Degree in Business Administration. In 1967, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving as a budget comptroller. His military career took him across the globe, including assignments in England, Germany, and Hawaii.

During his active-duty service, Monsignor McCahon discerned a call to priestly ministry, eventually entering Pope John XXIII National Seminary, in Weston, Massachusetts in 1971. He was ordained to the diaconate for the Diocese of St. Petersburg in 1974, serving at Christ the King Parish, Tampa. On May 10, 1975, after earning his Master of Divinity degree, he was ordained to the priesthood by Most Reverend Charles B. McLaughlin. Upon ordination, Monsignor McCahon was appointed Parochial Vicar of Corpus Christi Parish, Temple Terrace, where he was assigned for three years, while also serving as a Reserve Chaplain at MacDill Air Force Base, as a member of the Diocesan Financial Advisory Board, and as a member of the Board of Directors of Tampa Catholic High School. In August 1978, he was granted permission by Bishop McLaughlin to serve full-time as a U.S. Air Force Chaplain, during which he was stationed at Keesler AFB, Mississippi; Elmendorf AFB, Alaska; Williams AFB, Arizona; Hill AFB, Utah; Ramstein AFB, Germany; Scott AFB, Illinois; Kirtland AFB, New Mexico; Maxwell AFB, Alabama; Air Force Reserve Personnel Center, Colorado; Hicham AFB, Hawaii; and Offutt AFB, Nebraska. He was granted retirement status from the Air Force in 2004. After returning to the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Monsignor McCahon was appointed as Parochial Administrator of St. Mary Parish, Tampa, where he was assigned from July 2005 until he was granted retirement status on July 1, 2007.

Following his retirement, Monsignor McCahon provided ministry to several Tampa parishes, including St. Lawrence and Sacred Heart. He also assisted with Masses and confessions for the students and faculty of Academy of the Holy Names High School, Tampa, in addition to lending his assistance to the Apostleship of the Sea U.S.A. as a cruise ship chaplain on many occasions.

On March 15, 1999, upon nomination by Archbishop Edwin O’Brien, of the Archdiocese of the Military Services, U.S.A., Pope John Paul II bestowed the title of Prelate of Honor upon McCahon, with the honorary title of “Monsignor.” During his three decades of military service, he received numerous honors, including the Meritorious Service Medal (1978), promotion to the rank of Major (1984), and Lieutenant Colonel (1990), among others.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Martha and Joseph McCahon Sr., and his sister, MaryAnne Kelly. He is survived by his brother-in-law, George Kelly; nephews Terry Kelly, Brian Kelly, and Chris Kelly; and niece Megan Kelly, along with other extended family members. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 10:00 a.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 509 N. Florida Avenue, Tampa. Burial will take place in Philadelphia at a later date.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family of Rev. Msgr. Joseph McCahon, in care of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Office of the Chancellor, P.O. Box 40200, St. Petersburg, FL 33743-0200.

Obituary may be found on the Brett Funeral Home website at this link.

Please keep Monsignor McCahon’s family members and loved ones in your kind thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

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May his soul and the souls of all the faithful
departed by the mercy of God, rest in peace!