Gerard "Jerry" F. McDonough Sr., age 70, passed away after a courageous fight against a devastating illness. Jerry was a devoted husband and father, loving grandfather and great-grandfather, a proud American and loyal 46 year member of I.U.O.E. Local 4. He was a humble, modest, and selfless man always willing to help anyone in need. The character of this amazing man was molded at the young age of 11 when he lost his mother. Assuming a significant amount of family responsibility, Jerry began working during snow storms for the City of Woburn at the age of 12 as a "shotgun" to the plow drivers. This evolved into operating snow removal sidewalk tractors, plow trucks, and heavier snow removal equipment including one of the cities "Graders" which, up until his passing, he swears is the most effective in opening the cities roadways.
In his younger years Jerry could be found in the pits of local race tracks of Star and Lee Speedway working on the race cars of his close friend Mike Murphy. On a few occasions he had the opportunity to drive in the races which solidified his love for the sport. Jerry enjoyed driving just as much off the track as he was blessed to realize his dream retirement when he purchased a Bluebird Motor Coach and became of member of the W.O.G. Jerry and Reta traveled cross country on numerous occasions which generated countless memories.
With his extensive experience behind the wheel Jerry taught each one of his grandchildren how to drive. He truly adored each of his grandchildren. Whether it was taking them on trips in the motor home, skiing with them, or just visiting on a weekend afternoon "Grumpy" cherished the time he spent with each of his grandchildren.
Without a doubt he was a "Jack of all trades" able and willing to do just about anything that needed to be done. Dubbed "MacGyver", he had the ability to resolve mechanical, electrical, structural, or plumbing issues using unconventional means that had professionals standing in awe of his work. Jerry shared his talents with anyone in need.
In addition to his beloved wife Reta, with whom he shared 36 years of marriage, Jerry is survived by their children; Gerard McDonough Jr. and his wife Jennifer of Woburn, David Ahearn and his wife Sherry of Billerica, Greg Ahearn and his wife Kris of Woburn, and Norman Ahearn and his wife Debbie of Ft. Myers, FL. He was the loving grandfather of Rylee, Jocelyn, Alexis and Noelle McDonough, Lindsay Ahearn and her fiancé Patrick Opsteegh, Courtney, Stephanie, Kyle, Ethan and Brandie Ahearn. Loving great grandfather of Tyler and Bennett Opsteegh. Cherished brother of Michael McDonough and wife Marilyn of Woburn, John McDonough and wife Colleen of Winchester, Ann Bates of Conroe, TX, the late Joseph and William McDonough. He is also survived by many loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.
Funeral services will be held from the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., WOBURN Monday, December 7th, at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Charles Borromeo Church, 280 Main St., Woburn, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours at the McLaughlin - Dello Russ Funeral Home will be Sunday from 3 thru 7 p.m. Services will conclude with burial at Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn. It has been requested that in lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Jerry's memory to COPS for Kids with Cancer, P.O. Box 850956, Braintree, MA 02184 or to the Crotched Mountain Accessible Recreation and Sports c/o Crotched Mountain Foundation, One Verney Dr. Greenfield, NH 03047 Attn. Development Office.