Obituary of David James McDonough

David James McDonough, of Keene Valley, lost his 15-month battle with pancreatic ampullary (bile duct) cancer on June 10, 2013, in New York City. He was 59. He was born in Keene Valley on August 23, 1953, the first of nine children, to his parents, James and Ellen (Jaques) McDonough. He was a doting big brother who helped lovingly care for his five sisters and two brothers. He was a graduate of Keene Central School, and attended Adirondack Community College in Glens Falls, NY, but returned home to be near his family. He was well known in the community for his love of music. He participated in a number of community musicals, most memorably Emmanuel, with the Keene Valley Congregational Church, and rocked the role of Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar. He also was in a local band called Night Flight. David married his high school sweetheart Paula Reed of Keene, NY in 1979, and together they built a loving home and raised three children. He began work at Keene Valley Hardware shortly after his return from school, first as an employee, then partner. In 2001, he purchased the store and renamed it McDonough's Valley Hardware. A true family business, often his wife and children, sister Valarie and other family members would be seen helping out behind the counter. The ownership of the hardware was one of his lifetime dreams. David was known well throughout the Valley by residents and visitors alike for his advice on all things hardware and his kind, gentle demeanor. A true pillar of the community, he was also involved as a trustee of St Brendan's Catholic Church of Keene, and served as treasurer of the Keene Valley Fire Department, and held brief stint as Keene Valley Fire Commissioner. He also served on the Keene Town Planning Board. His first love, however, was his family, and taking care of his home. He was a devoted grandfather in his later years. He enjoyed photography, in particular candid photos and nature photography, inspired by the mountains surrounding the town he loved. A true child at heart, he loved traveling to Walt Disney World with his family, and all things Mickey Mouse. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Paula, of Keene Valley; his daughter Tiffani and husband Robert Kearney, of New York City; daughter Taetum, her husband Justin Crooker, and grandchildren Matthew and Adam of Ballston Lake; son Ewen and partner Jessica Dudley, of New York City; father James of Keene Valley; sisters Ellen Miller of Destin, Florida; Valarie Warner of Keene Valley; Erin McDonough of Keene; Sheila and husband Paul Grant of Queensbury; brothers Darrin and wife Lisa, of Ticonderoga; Darryl and wife Patty of Saranac Lake; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends and neighbors, who will miss him greatly. He is predeceased by his mother Ellen and sisters Doreen and Stacy, of Keene Valley. Calling hours will be held at MB Clark Funeral Home in Lake Placid, on June 13, from 6-8pm. A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, June 14, at 1pm at St Agnes Church in Lake Placid, NY. Rev. John Yonkovig will officiate. The burial will be at Norton Cemetery in Keene, immediately following Mass. Relatives and friends are welcome to join in a gathering at The Uplands on Mason Young Lane in Keene Valley in celebration of his life and friendship immediately following the internment. Memorial contributions may be made to a fund in his honor established at the New York Presbyterian Hospital Center for Gastrointestinal Health, to further research efforts targeted at pancreatic ampullary cancer. Additional information will be available on Caring Bridge and Facebook. Relatives and friends are invited to "light a candle" and share a memory with the McDonough Family at www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com click obituaries to open website. In lieu of flowers and gifts, donations can be made in honor of David to The Dr. Allyson Ocean Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Fund for David McDonough. Checks can be made out to "New York Presbyterian Hospital" with Dr. Allyson Ocean Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Fund for David McDonough" in the memo line and addressed to: Ms. Kristen Kidder Office of Development New York Presbyterian Hospital/Wells Cornell Medical Center 525 East 68th Street, Box 123 New York, NY 10065 The family is eternally grateful for the support and outpouring of love from David's community over these past difficult months. We have been lifted up by the love shown for David and for all of us.