John McDonough

Peacefully at North York General Hospital on January 24, 2019. Dearly beloved husband of 64 years of Vivian (nee Mulhall). Devoted father of Nancy, Paul (Paula), Frank, Sheila and the late Michael (2014). Loving grandfather of Daniel (Lisa), Meagan, Sarah (Max), Caitlin (Borko), David, Liam and Aria. Proud great-grandfather of Sophie, Fiona and Damien. Predeceased by his parents Frank and Agnes, and brother Bob. Survived by his sister Alice; John is also remembered by Vernon (Maureen) Mulhall and several nieces and nephews.

Born in Utica, NY, lived in Oswego, NY. After graduating high school he enlisted in the US Navy and shipped out to the Pacific with the 69th Construction Battalion (Seebees) to Okinawa and Guam. Following discharge, after a year at Teacher’s College in Oswego, he was accepted to St. Michael’s College, University of Toronto, doing his “Western” year with other veterans before beginning his degree. After graduation in 1951, he worked in Insurance in Buffalo and Toronto, and as an Editor at The University of Toronto Press. In 1969 he earned his B.Ed from University of Toronto and began teaching with the Etobicoke School Board until his retirement.

Over the years, John was active in different volunteer capacities; Scout Leader, Distress Center, C.N.I.B Reader, Maplehurst Prison Visitor and long serving Lector and Hospital Minister at his home parish of St. Gabriel’s.

Visitation will be held at the R.S. Kane Funeral Home, 6150 Yonge St. (at Goulding, south of Steeles) on Tuesday, January 29 from 5-9pm. A Mass of Resurrection will be held at St. Gabriel of The Sorrowful Virgin Catholic Church, 670 Sheppard Ave. E. on Wednesday, January 30 at 11am. Cremation, with interment in the Mulhall plot at Mt. Hope Cemetery, alongside his son Michael will take place at a later date.

Thank you to the staff of North York General Hospital for their care over the years.

In lieu of flowers, a simple act of kindness to someone in need will suffice.

“…And as our days dwindle down to a precious few…”