Ronald McDonough

On May 9, 2025, of Deptford. Age 84. Beloved husband of Fern (nee Banks). Devoted father of Denise Campolongo (Nick), Michael McDonough (Patricia), Kimberly McDonough (Tony), Chris McDonough, and Stacey Wexler. Loving grandfather of Kira, Sean, Brittany, Dara, Meghan, Paige, Christopher, Steven, Randy, and David. Proud great-grandfather of Sophia and Vincent. Dear brother of Robert McDonough. Predeceased by 12 brothers and sisters. Loved by many nieces and nephews.

Ronald J. McDonough, son of Francis and Anna, survived by his wife, Fern McDonough, children Denise, Mike, Kim, Chris, Stacy, brother Robert, and many nieces and nephews. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Ron was one of 14 children. He raised five children and had nine grandchildren, four great grandchildren.

Ron was a St. Joan of Arc Church altar boy and proud graduate of Northeast Catholic High School, class of 1958. In his career he was a master mechanic, union ornamental ironworker. He ended his career at the age of 77 with a national glass manufacturer. He was so good at his job they brought him back after he retired. And incredibly adept at mathematics, doing complex calculations in his head. Some of his fabrications and installations he supervised are still in use today: Septa subway stations, highway tollbooths, Philadelphia Airport, Epcot Center, and most notably the Copernicus statue on the Parkway in Philadelphia. His work is all over the US and several other countries. He could manufacture anything out of metal. Fix anything broken. he would often say “if I can’t fix it, it ain’t broke!”

He was a fearless climber of ladders, an avid reader and history buff. In the 60s and 70s was a photography enthusiast, developing his own photos in basement. An avid Phillies and Eagles fan, and lived through the most horrible years of both of those teams. But also got to see two Phillies World Series wins and two Eagles Superbowls. He loved reading and history, especially World War I and II. Got to fire the saluting 40mm gun on Battleship, NJ for his 75th birthday. He loved his dogs. Freeway and Murphy were his best friends for many years.

An avid casino blackjack player and pinochle aficionado. He and Fern could clean anyone’s clock in Pinocle. Went on so many cruises to the Caribbean, it is difficult to tally! In the 70s he tore up the many Center City and Northeast Philly disco dance clubs like the Ciao Club and The Classroom. His brothers Danny and Michael were his frequent wingmen. Loved his 70’s Chevy Convertible even when the roof leak got so bad the car was essentially a mobile swimming pool. Absolutely LOVED Christmas. He would buy absurdly large Christmas trees that barely fit in the Philly Pacific Street row home. And filled the base of that absurdly large tree with fantastic presents for his children. He liked black licorice. Nobody likes black licorice. Except Ron.

Ron was up for anything. If there was fun to be had, Ron was ready!

Family and friends are welcome to attend his visitation Wednesday, May 14^th 10:00 – 11:30 AM at the Egizi Funeral Home, 119 Ganttown Rd., Washington Twp. Funeral service 11:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ronald’s memory may be made to Samaritan Hospice.

“A Life Well Lived Is Worth Remembering”