John Patrick McDonough

It is with great sadness that the family of John Patrick McDonough, Jr. report his passing on February 13th, 2020 at the age of 82. John was born on October 7th, 1937 in Lowell, Massachusetts to John Patrick McDonough, Sr. and Loretta (Pratt) McDonough. As an adored only child, he went on to have a very large family of his own who will always honor, love, and respect him.

Growing up in Lowell, John attended Saint Michaels Catholic Elementary school where in Kindergarten he met the love of his life, classmate Alice Eno. After graduating from High School, he attended Lowell Technological Institute which led to starting his career at Raytheon in Lowell and Waltham, Massachusetts. At Raytheon, John was Project Supervisor of the Production Control Department. Some of the projects John was involved in were the: Sparrow III missile program, the Display Keyboard on the guidance computer for the Apollo Space Program, and the Navy’s Poseidon Nuclear Missile Program. John also served his country in the United States Army Reserves and was honorably discharged.

In 1959, John married his high school sweetheart Alice and their strong attraction and love for each other brought 5 children into this world. In 1968, they decided to take a gamble on starting a new life in Las Vegas, Nevada. This is where John ended up spending the rest of his life, helping to raise his family and having a long career in the casino industry.

John enjoyed playing as much golf as possible, regularly enjoying music, delighting in his wife’s gourmet meals, and going on many family outings and vacations. Skiing, fishing, and relaxing at the beach were some of his favorite times spent with the family. The holidays were always a very memorable time for John and he was especially fond of celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day and reminiscing about his Irish heritage.

“Grampa John” thoroughly loved spending time with his grandchildren and had the gift of making them feel they could achieve anything they really wanted. Teaching the grandchildren tips on how to play cards, billiards, and air hockey was something that made him very happy. His grandchildren always felt loved and knew they were very special to him.

John is lovingly remembered by his wife Alice of 61 years, their 5 children, 13 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. Their family includes: daughter Kathleen and her husband Thomas, their daughters, Katie, Gracie, and Christina and her husband John, and their daughters Alice and Tess; son Dr. John Patrick McDonough, III and his wife Dawna, their daughter Laura and son Johnny Patrick McDonough, IV; daughter Robin and her husband Richard, their son Rick, and daughter Rachael; daughter Donna and her husband Frank, their daughter Franchesca and sons Christian and Finneghan; daughter Julieanne and her husband Matt, their daughters Ashleigh and twin Morganne, and twin son Matthew, Jr. John is also survived by his brother-in-law Raymond, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

John is preceded in death by his father John, mother Loretta, and great granddaughter Cecily.

Those who knew John would all agree he was an extremely generous and honest man who had an unquestionable love for his family. He will forever be in the minds and hearts of his family.

A private catholic mass will be held for John.