Thomas Patrick McDonough

Thomas Patrick McDonough passed away peacefully at his home in Tacoma on 12/29/21.  He was born in Tacoma on January 30th, 1934, the son of Mary J and Thomas McDonough.  He lived briefly in Ireland for one year with his mother and sister and then they returned to Tacoma.  He attended St. Patrick’s elementary school and graduated from Bellarmine Preparatory in 1952.  After a short time in college at the University of Puget Sound, he joined the Marine Corps and served in Korea.  He was a proud Marine, and equally proud of the fact that when he informed his mother of his enlistment, she responded “good, how soon can they take you?” 

After the Marines, he started in the car industry as a salesman at Walker Chevrolet.  Tom retired at age 70 after 35 years with Titus Will Ford, both as a salesman and a manager.  He won several awards as a salesman and has been described by many as a “legend” in the car business. Commencing with Tom’s retirement, Titus Will began presenting an annual “Tom McDonough Award for Sales & Customer Service Excellence” to the most qualified employee. Tom continued to mentor and tell great stories at Peninsula Subaru throughout the next 15 years.

Tom was a dedicated sports fan, especially boxing and golf.  He was an International Boxing Federation and WAST boxing commission professional, judging both local and worldwide championship events.

He was an avid golfer and a member of the Fircrest golf club for over 50 years, where he knew many people and had many good friends.  He was a voracious reader of history and biographies, and loved sharing his books & knowledge with family and friends.

Tom left a lasting impression on everyone he met; he was outgoing, friendly and courteous, and always had a story to tell and a quote for every occasion.  He was a true gentleman and a man of honor who greeted everyone he met with a big smile and a firm handshake.  He treated everyone with respect, generosity and kindness.  He will be sorely missed by family and friends, and he will always be remembered.

Tom is survived by his wife of 50 years, Elizabeth (Betty) McDonough, sister Moira Elsasser, daughter Patricia VanAchte, sons Michael (Wendy) McDonough, Kevin McDonough and Terrence (Christina) McDonough, stepson John (Melinda) Dionas, grandchildren  Conor and Kelly VanAchte,  Patrick and Brian McDonough, Melaina (Rick) Miller, Nicholas (Nikki) Dionas, and Jake Dionas.  Tom was preceded in death by grandsons Markus VanAchte and Joseph Dionas.

Funeral services will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1001 North J Street, Tacoma, WA 98403 on Wednesday, January 12 at 11:00 am.  A reception will be held immediately following at Fircrest Golf Club, 1500 Regents Blvd., Fircrest, WA 98466. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CHI Franciscan Hospice or charity of your choice in Tom’s name. 

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