Obituary of William T. McDonough

William T. McDonough, age 83, of Burlington, passed away peacefully at Aberjona Nursing Center on December 14, 2024.  He was the beloved husband of Joanne (Mirabella) McDonough, with whom he shared over 51 wonderful years of marriage.

Born in Revere, MA on May 13, 1941, he was one of three children of the late James H. and Pauline T. (Nutile) McDonough.  William grew up in Revere and graduated from the Immaculate Conception High School.  He then went on to earn a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from Boston State, now known as UMASS Boston.  He wasn’t done bettering himself through education though, and went a step further, earning a CAGS degree from Boston College.  William put all his education to good use and worked hard as a teacher in the Revere public schools.  He eventually worked his way up to Principal of the Abraham Lincoln School, and proudly held that title for many years.  His devotion to the children he taught and looked out for through the years was truly astounding.  He held a deep appreciation for education and learning, and wanted nothing more than to share that with others.

William met his loving wife Joanne while teaching together in the Revere school system.   They eventually settled down in Burlington, MA in 1978, where they raised their three children in a home filled with love and care for one another.  William’s devotion to the schools he held positions at was nothing compared to the devotion he had to his wife and family.  In his free time, when he had it, William loved to watch football and read.  He had a desire to keep his mind engaged even long after he earned all his degrees and would read anything from The Boston Globe to all genres of novels.  Volunteering within his community was very important to William. He held the position of treasurer with both the Friends of Burlington Public Library and the Revere Teachers Association. He volunteered with People Helping People in Burlington, Marion Tavern Grand View Farm committee, and the Burlington Public Library.  He also enjoyed attending meetings for a stock club that he and his friends established back in college.  They started with 12 members and the club continued strong to the present, where the friends would look forward to meeting once a month.  William was also proud to be the president of his condo association where they resided.  Somehow, with everything William was a part of, he still found time to deliver books to people in need of friendship in the community.  Throughout his life William embodied everything that it meant to be a kind and respected leader.  His love for his family and devotion to his community, both in school and out, was truly a gift to anyone that was lucky enough to know him.

Along with his loving wife Joanne, William is survived by his children, James “Jamie” McDonough of Arlington, Melissa Grzelak and her husband Brian of Burlington, and Matthew McDonough and his wife Nadia of London, England; his two siblings, Jane Tegan and her late husband Charles of Mansfield, James “Bud” McDonough and his wife Barbara of Burlington; his four grandchildren, Ella, Colin, Maya, and Zaina, as well as many other dear relatives and beloved friends.

At the request of William's family, all funeral services will be held privately.  As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Association for Autism and Neurodiversity (AANE) in his honor.