Joseph A. McDonough, Jr.

Joseph A. McDonough, Jr., 73, of Richmondale, died Friday April 19th at the Pavilion at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.  He is survived by his wife, the former Sally Merkel; the couple would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary May 25th.

Born in Carbondale, son of the late Joseph and Helen Kelly McDonough, he was a member of Saint Rose of Lima Church, Carbondale.  He was a graduate of Saint Rose High School, Carbondale, Class of 1968 and the Johnson College of Technology, Scranton.  He completed his four year apprenticeship at Hendrick Manufacturing, Carbondale, on his way to becoming a journeyman tool and die maker.  Prior to his retirement, he had been employed at several local manufacturing companies.  He was a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.  Joe had three passions in his life: family, golfing, and the boy scouts.  He was a proud member of the Boy Scouts of America, where he held many local leadership positions and worked alongside his good friend Tino Penzone for over 30 years.  He was the former Cub Leader of the Cub Scouts Pack 307, Carbondale, and former assistant scoutmaster of Troop 8, Carbondale, as well as the committee chairman.  He oversaw his three sons become Eagle Scouts while at Troop 8.  Joe enjoyed tinkering in his workshop, whether it be making furniture for his family, fixing broken items, or even sharpening saws.  He enjoyed watching whichever golf tournament was on TV on Sunday afternoons; but most of all, he loved spending time with his grandchildren.

The family would like to thank all of Joe’s local doctors, especially Dr. David Tomazic, as well as the doctors, nurses and staff at UPenn Hospital for the compassionate care given to Joe and the support given to his family.

Also surviving are four children: Jennifer Fischer, Dunmore; Patrick McDonough and wife Heidi, Dunmore; Timothy McDonough and wife Emily, Quakertown; Christopher McDonough and wife Tiffanie, Woodbridge, VA; seven grandchildren: Danielle DePietro; Colin, Carter, Elliott, Graceyn and Declan McDonough; and Natalie Fischer; three sisters: Margie Haggerty and husband John, Waymart; Kathleen Fennie, Dunmore; and Ann Cwikla, Dallas; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The funeral will be Wednesday April 24th from the Brennan & Brennan Funeral Home, Inc., 55 Lincoln Avenue, Carbondale, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am in St. Rose of Lima Church, Carbondale.  Interment, Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Finch Hill.  Friends may call Tuesday, from 4 to 7 pm.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Rose of Lima Church, 6 N. Church St., Carbondale, PA 18407 or Dunmore BSA Troop 66, 808 William St., Dunmore, PA 18510.

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