Edward Louis McDonough

Ed was the beloved husband of Kay, father of late son Eddy and daughter Kimberly and her husband Rick, grandfather of Cassie Anderson and husband Tim, Richard, Corey and Kayla Leandre, great grandfather of Kylie and Cody Anderson, brother of late William McDonough and sister-in-law Jeanne and John McDonough and sister-in-law Vivian, Brother-in-law of Frank Gallo and sister-in-law Toni. Uncle of numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A friend to all.

He was born in Providence, Rhode Island, to Gertrude and William McDonough.

He was educated in Providence schools and attended Johnson & Wales. From 1956 to 1958 he served in the U. S. Army. In July 1958 he dropped his duffel bag and picked up his luggage to go on his honeymoon on September 1. Kay and Ed were married at Assumption Church and after a reception at the 1025, they left for a honeymoon to Niagara Falls and on to Michigan where Ed had been stationed.

In the early sixties he worked at the Narragansett Brewery. When the brewery closed, he became a sheriff. He also served as an aide to Lieutenant Governor John Folcarelli. He was very active in politics in Rhode Island.

In October 1968 he became a Dad to a baby boy, Eddy, and five years later, a baby girl, Kim. He was a constant presence in his children’s and grandchildren’s lives, attending recitals, matches, ballgames and tournaments.

He had a lust for life, taking flying lessons and sailing lessons. He was a member of Planet Fitness and would work out three times a week before taking ill. He loved watching old westerns, was an avid gun collector and was a pretty good quahogger in his day, applying the skills his mother-in-law Frances and father-in-law Al taught him. He loved living by the bay. He loved to sing and tell stories. He loved his 1968 Cadillac, which Kayla and Corey named Frank.

He was a member of St. Kevin Parish Council, Cub Master of Pack 56, Member of the Knights of Columbus, the Elks and City of Hope.

In 1978 he and Kay opened the first ice cream shop, Kay’s Dairy Bar. Five years later, Hill-Top Creamery, five years after that the Laundry Basket, two years after that Mc’s Corner Creamery with nephew Bill McDonough.

He was a mentor and second Dad to the many teens who graced his life in the ice cream shops. With the advent of social media he was able to stay in touch with the majority of them. He had a talent for making everyone feel like they were the most important person in the room, giving his undivided attention. They loved and respected him.

Kim and Rick blessed him with two grandchildren, Corey in 1999 and Kayla in 2002, and a bonus grandson, Rich. Granddaughter Cassie and husband Tim blessed him with two great-grandchildren. All the children were the joys of his life.

He valued and treasured his family above all else and supported them at every opportunity.

Ed and Kay traveled extensively visiting twenty plus countries, and cruising several Caribbean islands. He never hesitated to use his broken Italian in Italy or his brogue in Ireland and mastered driving on the “wrong” side of the road.

He retired to Florida in 1999 and enjoyed life in Palm-Aire, Pompano Beach. He called it paradise. He looked forward to returning to Rhode Island and meeting with family and friends and especially meeting with his childhood friends of 80+ years.

He will be greatly missed and his legacy will live on in the hearts and lives of his family and the many people he touched along the way. He will forever be remembered as a loving patriarch.

His wishes were not to be sad but to celebrate his life…. eat, drink and be happy. Remember all the good things and happy times.

In Florida, a celebration of his life was held on May 27, which would have been his 87th birthday.

In Rhode Island, a celebration of his life will be held at Twin Oaks on Sunday, July 25, 2021, at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, a donation may be made to The imPossible Dream, 575 Centerville Road, Suite 4, Warwick, RI 02886. A place close to Ed’s heart. They make dreams possible for chronically ill children, and the special playground offers a safe and accessible environment for all children.