Tom McDonough, a proud son of Lockport, NY, was born on January 18, 1937, and was a man defined by faith, family, and Irish grit. He passed away on April 12, 2026, at the age of 89.

Born the youngest son of 11 children to Edith Kenney and Linus J. McDonough, Tom grew up in the McDonough family homestead on Lakeview Parkway, deeply rooted in the community and his proud Irish heritage. He later established his lifetime home right next door.

Tom graduated from DeSales Catholic High School in 1955, where he served as student body president his senior year, and the University of Notre Dame in 1959, one of his proudest accomplishments. He remained a passionate Notre Dame fan, cheering the Irish through every season, and for a time, served as president of the Notre Dame Alumni Association of Western New York. His other great sports love was the Buffalo Bills, whose highs and heartbreaks he followed with loyalty.

After serving in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, Tom went on to build a successful career in the paperboard industry. Outside of work, he was an avid golfer, happiest with a club in hand.

Tom loved his family. With his first wife, Joan Pautler McDonough, he was the father of three children: Margot McDonough (Donovan Cook) of Los Angeles, CA, Meghan McDonough (John Sakowski) of Lockport, NY, and David McDonough (Lisa McDonough) of Anacortes, WA. 

He was a proud grandfather to McDonough and Meghan Cook, Andrew and Allison Sakowski (Matt Taylor), and Elizabeth, Samantha, Liam, Finn, Oliver, and Aalish McDonough.

Tom is also survived by his sister, Anne (Dennis) Clancy. He was predeceased by his sisters, Mary (Walter) McCarthy, and Edie (Michael) Moran, and his brothers, Robert (Claire), Linus, Lawrence (Nancy), John (Sheila), Donald (Jean Ann), Gerald (Ceil, Rose, Beverly), and Paul (Joan, Mary). His extended family included 49 nieces and nephews.

He carried his Irish pride, Notre Dame spirit, and love of Lockport everywhere he went.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Memorial Mass to be celebrated Monday, June 15th at 10 AM at St. John the Baptist RC Church, 168 Chestnut St., Lockport.  If desired, a donation in Tom’s honor could be made to Niagara Hospice.

“Go Irish. Go Bills.”