James M. McDonough, Retired Suffolk County Assistant District Attorney, of Easton, formerly of West Roxbury, died on Monday, April 23, 2012 at Good Samaritan Hospital after a lengthy illness. He was 83. A native of Portland, ME, the son of Irish immigrants, the late James and Nora Lee McDonough, he was the youngest of five. He graduated from Cheverus High School in 1946. He received a full scholarship to Boston College, class of 1950, cum laude and Boston College Law School, class of 1953. In college he earned the Harrigan Oratorical Award, 1947 and was one of seven admitted to the Jesuit National Honor Society, Alpha Sigma Nu. He was the tree orator for the class of 1950 at Boston College, planting a tree on the campus grounds the day before graduation. He was Vice President and Secretary of the Fulton Debating Society and a member of the Cross and Crown Honor Society. He married his high school sweetheart, Regina T. Foley, on January 27, 1951. When he graduated number three from his law school class, he had three children under the age of three. He was admitted to the bar in 1953. From 1954 – 1959 he was employed in the office of Isadore H.Y. Muchnick, Esq., Boston, engaged in the general practice of law. In 1959 he entered private practice in Boston. In 1964 he became a legal assistant in the office of the District Attorney of Suffolk County, specializing in appellate work and later assisting in major criminal trials. In 1979 he became a full-time Assistant District Attorney. Upon his retirement he was in charge of presentations to the Grand Jury. He received the Thomas J. Mundy Award, bestowed by former prosecutors for his distinguished service to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. Mr. McDonough taught himself to play the organ by ear. He enjoyed music, the arts, golf and most of all his family.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Regina T. (Foley), his children, Kathryn M. Hinderhofer of Wellesley, James M. McDonough, Jr., Esq., of West Roxbury, Anne E. Black of Hingham, William P. McDonough of Chicago, IL., Regina M. Vaughan of Wethersfield, CT., Margaret M. Webster and Patricia F. Marsan, both of Easton. Brother of Mary R. Young of Melrose and Anne B. Rowe of Falmouth, Me. He was predeceased by two brothers, Edward J. McDonough, Esq. and William S. McDonough. He was also survived by thirteen grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours from the Robert J. Lawler and Crosby Funeral Home, 1803 Centre St., West Roxbury, MA on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, April 26, 2012 at St. Theresa of Avila Church at 10:00 am.
Interment in Mt. Benedict Cemetery, West Roxbury.
Donations in memory of Jim may be made to Boston College, Fulton Debating Society, 140 Commonwealth Ave., Chestnut Hill, MA. 02467.
www.lawlerfuneralhome.com