McDONOUGH Edwin J. in Needham, 72, of cancer. Beloved husband of Patricia Shannon McNally, step-father to Michael McNally (Ginny) of Newton, Lee McNally (Connie) of Needham, and Katherine McNally (Debbie) of Rockport, and beloved Grandfather to Matthew, Rebecca, Mary, and Emily McNally.
Mr. McDonough was a triple eagle, having graduated from BC High and taken two degrees in English Literature at Boston College. He entered the US Army in 1966 and served his two years as a Middle-East analyst at the National Security Agency.
In 1969 he moved to Manhattan to begin a doctoral program at NYU, which program he finally completed many years later with a published dissertation, Quintero Directs O’Neill. On a parallel track, Mr. McDonough became a successful actor of stage and screen, beginning a theatre career which yielded eight Broadway productions, including the historic 1974 revival of O’Neill’s A Moon for the Misbegotten, as well as regional theatre productions from Alaska to Florida. After 45 years of commuting between Boston and NYC, Mr. McDonough returned to settle in Needham, where he enjoyed many years with his family and loved being Grandpa.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his name to Boston College High School, 150 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA 02125.
Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 1305 Highland Ave. Needham Friday, February 12, at 9:15am followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30am in Our Lady Help of Christian’s Parish, 573 Washington St. Newton. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting hours on Thursday February 11 from 4-8pm. Interment in St. Mary Cemetery, Needham.