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Thomas McDonough Obituary

McDonough, Thomas W. of Woodridge, beloved husband of Linda (nee Roth), loving father of Crystal, Tina and Kelly, dear brother of Joanne (Kenny) DeCeault, Marianne (Frankie) Naughton and the late Gary (Donna) McDonough, devoted uncle to Kim, John, Joe, Stephanie and Gloria, great-uncle to Dylan, Kaitlyn and Allyson. Mr. McDonough was a UPS driver in Naperville for 28 years. Visitation 2 to 9 p.m., Sunday, at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 301 75th St., Downers Grove, where funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Monday. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Funeral info: 630-964-6500

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Jul. 4, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas McDonough

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Tina McDonough

September 17, 2008

I obviously dont know what its like to die. But I like to imagine that you are somewhere in the clouds watching over us. That you somehow protect us from the bad things that could happen. I hope that when you die you reunite with your loved ones and that you keep riding this idea called life. That even though your body is eternally at rest, your soul moves forward and your heart grows stronger. I cant imagine not ever seeing you again dad. The thought is unbearable. Although, I know that no tear, thoughts, or words could ever bring you back, I cant help but try any way. When you love someone nothing seems impossible. You strive for what keeps you going in "life". Dad even though you are not here. I live my life everyday as if you are. I try everyday to make you proud. and I carry a smile because I know thats what you loved most about me. You "lived" everyday to keep that smile on my face. and Im not going to let you down. Some days are better then others. Some moments are harder then others but I try to stay strong. If not for myself then for mom and Kelly. Losing you changed everything. Nothing is the same. I hate making friends now and meeting new people. Because you build relationships just to watch them crumble or to lose them. Nothing hurts more then losing a parent, a sibling, a spouse, or a best friend. Im struggling dad, I'll be the first one to admit it. When people ask how I am, I just want to scream back "how do you think I am?" In about 2 weeks it will be 3 months since you have passed, and that kills me to think that I could possibly live my life without you. I knew this was going to happen one day but the only thing I can seem to think is that I had so much more time that I needed to spend with you. It's not fair. I see old people now and I just cry because I knew that should have been you. You should have lived a long and healthy life. Not have died at the age of 53. The idea of someone with a heart of gold like yours dieing of a heart attack I just cant even bear. It doesnt make sense. That your heart just stopped working like that.
More then anything Dad. I miss your sense of humor. your corny jokes. and just simply your words of advice. I wont ever be able to see or hear you again unless I believe. Dad I want so badly to believe that when you die, you reunite with your loved ones. because I would do ANYTHING to see you again...

Tina McDonough

August 22, 2008

I know that you wont ever get to see this Dad. But I want you to know that time doesnt always heal the pain. Each day gets harder and I find there's more and more that I want to tell you. I love you and you are always on my mind. I will never fully be complete, because I could never fill the emptiness that your absence has caused. You were the biggest part of me and will forever be. I'll make you proud dad & I watch out for mom and Kelly everyday. But we, just like you are in good hands.
Love always
Your little girl =]
-Tina

Adam Smolinski

July 20, 2008

Thomas McDonough,
May I say for my family you will be missed. From the funny stories to the serious conversations. I'm glad I met you.

Raquel Gaspar

July 9, 2008

Tommy,
The endless conversasions we had over the years about life/family and children were awesome and quite entertaining. I will always remember your great spirit and attitude about enjoying life. I just found out today that you are no longer here,it made me sad but anyone that knew you knows that you always tried to live life to the fulliest and made sure you had as much fun doing it. I will remember that. And to your children please know for the rest of your days how proud he was of you all and that he loved you so much. I'll
miss you my friend. Raquel

Dawn Kaiser

July 9, 2008

I was one of the many people Tommy saw throughout the day while on his route. It was usually toward the end of the day when he arrived at my office. As tired as he was, he always took the time to chat for a few moments. I definitely looked forward to our "talks"- Tommy could always bring a smile to my face. I am sure I am just one of many who will miss him for his wit and humor. I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to get to know him- he really was one of the "good guys"...

Cindy Ryan

July 8, 2008

Tom,
About the hardest working man I ever met...how many Christmas's when you didn't get home until 9 or 10 at night ?
How much you loved to have fun, especially with your "girls"
Thank you for helping us set up our first pond,
Thank you for all your "medical" help with whatever ailed us at the time.
Thank you for always being there whenever I felt like walking over , and for being able to discuss anything or everything with you....and always end up laughing.
Thank you for letting me climb up on your roof to help you guys when you were re-doing it and then not being able to get off because I was too scared....
Thank you for all your interests and projects....they are truly inspiring and interesting.
But most of all Thank you for fighting the good fight and raising two beautiful young ladies who can still see the world thru your eyes, I will never forget you....
Your friends,
Cindy and Dan and Allen and Anthony

chrita cj johnson

July 7, 2008

i was very surprised to hear about tom,he was a great guy he made me the driver i am today.he was there for me 19yrs ago when i started at ups..even though we worked in different centers we still saw each other and he always asked how things were.i will miss that smile....

Sheryl Davis Trammell

July 7, 2008

To the Precious McDonough family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you today and will continue to be there through the coming days. I pray that God just wraps His arms around you and you find some comfort in His presence.
I have known and loved Tommy since I was five years old. We grew up together in the "Old Neighborhood" and he and his family, were my extended family.
I know this time is so difficult but we know he'll be waiting at heavens gate with his present family to greet those of us who are left behind.
So, save us a place Tommy!
We will all love and miss you...
Sheryl and family

John Fitzgerald

July 6, 2008

To the McDonough Family,

As someone who worked with Tom for many years, I saw him every morning, and almost every morning he would bring a smile to the faces of those of us around him. He was one of the good guys and will be greatly missed.

Ernestina Martinez

July 4, 2008

I knew Tom for 13 years. We lived next to him and we recently moved. Tom was the kind of guy that was always there for everyone. He always looked out for you and always willing to help in any thing he could. We were lucky to have him as a friend. He was a great man, husband, father and friend. We love Tom, Linda, Tina and Kelly all we will miss him very much. May GOD bless him and his family in this very sad times and may the memories always be there. Love The Martinez

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Hallowell & James Funeral Home - Downers Grove

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