MacDONOUGH, Thomas J. Jr. Of Westwood, formerly of Dover, passed away on July 17, 2021 at the age of 81. Son of the late Thomas J. and Elizabeth (Coss) MacDonough. Beloved brother of Richard of Arlington, Kenneth of Sherborn, and longtime friend and companion, Ronald McGrath of Boston; and uncle of many loving nieces and nephews.

Tom taught at Norwood Senior High School for 38 years and held the position of Chair of History/Social Sciences Department for many years at the time of his retirement in 2003. During his tenure, he also managed the Norwood Adult Education program for many years. In addition, Tom was Adjunct Professor of History and Asian studies in Northeastern University's evening college program for 35 years. After his retirement, he taught history at the Dana Hall School in Wellesley for two years. Tom is a graduate of Georgetown Foreign Service (BFS) program, as well as Boston University where he obtained his MA degree in history.

Tom was a recipient of many prestigious awards and professional commendations throughout his working career, including two Fulbright Scholarships to study in China and Turkey. In addition, he received a Goethe-Institute award for travel and study in Germany and a Keizai Koko fellowship for study in Japan. Tom also was the former President of the Mass Council for the Social Studies and received the Teacher of the Year award from that organization as well.

A consummate professional, Tom was recognized by colleagues and students alike for his ability to teach, motivate and engage his students. To quote one of his students, "Tom made the subject of history an exciting and compelling adventure. His knowledge seemed boundless, his love of his subject infectious, and respect for each student undeniable."

Funeral from the Kraw-Kornack Funeral Home, 1248 Washington St., NORWOOD, MA Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at 10am, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11am at St. Catherine of Siena Church, Norwood. Visiting Hours will be held on Monday, July 26, 2021 from 4-7pm. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the American Cancer Society, 3 Speen St., Suite 250, Framingham, MA 01701. Kraw-Kornack Funeral Home

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Published by Boston Globe from Jul. 22 to Jul. 25, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for THOMAS MACDONOUGH

11 Entries

John Haggerty

June 21, 2024

I am sad to learn of one of my favorite teacher's passing, from this life. I had him for three classes on Western Civ., Russian History, and International Relations. Mr. MacDonough, was a outstanding teacher. He should have been teaching at the graduate level, at a major university or college! his method of instruction and content of his lesson plan was that good! God Bless him, his family and friends!

István GLATZ

February 10, 2022

I lost a very sympathetic friend with whom I had a professional relationship for many years.
His life was the collection of stamps, every meeting with him was a pleasure.
Rest in peace!

István Glatz
AIEP Expert

Sinko Stamp Gallery Budapest, Hungary

February 7, 2022

We are devastated, reading these terrible "news" about you Thomas. We saw you in 2020, at the beginning of covid, thought you will return in time. We moved to a bigger place, you would have liked it too...We will never forget and will miss you! Rest in peace! Attila and Livi

Jozsef Tyukodi

December 4, 2021

Tom was a wonderful, intelligent and thoughtful great person. Thank you for Teach me at Budapest ,Hungary May he Rest In Peace.
Never forgot you .x

Delores L Staton

September 24, 2021

To Tom's family in particular, Richard and Kenneth, I regret just hearing of Tom's death. I am sorry not to have known so that I could express my condolences to you in person. As you know Tom was a special friend. I knew him as a consummate educator, philosopher, and so knowledgeable. The field of education has lost a trailblazer. I didn't know of his many awards, or his accomplishments, a testament to his humility. I know you are saddened by his loss. I can only offer my regrets and say I am sorry. Tom made everything and everybody better.

Gerard Casale

July 31, 2021

Tom was also a member of the ancient numismatic society of Boston, where we met many years ago. He was a gentleman, always willing to share his wide knowledge. In our last conversation this year, Tom offered his advice about historic places in Hungary. He will be missed.

Joe Ailinger Jr

July 29, 2021

I´m not sure I can adequately describe how much of an influence Mr. McDonough had on me.

As an impressionable 16-year-old who already liked history, I realized after sitting in Tom´s social studies class for a few weeks that I had found someone who embodied all the qualities and interests that I admired. Mr McDonough was articulate, poised, witty, worldly, and immensely intelligent. A man of refinement and culture who made past cultures and empires come alive in his classroom. He inspired my lifelong love of history, especially Russian, and of travel. To this day, I´m in awe of his incredible knowledge of European history and his mastery of multiple languages. In many ways, I think I´m still trying to be Mr McDonough.

And like so many other students, he made me feel so important whenever I saw or spoke with him. That sly, knowing wink as he passed you in the hall. It was his college recommendation letter I cherished the most. And it was occasional visits to his home in Dover in later years that only reinforced for me how special of a guy he really was, and how lucky I was to have him for a teacher.

I wish I had the chance to talk with him one more time to tell him all this in person. But I want to believe he knew what a difference he made in people´s lives. He was too smart not to know.

Thank you for everything, Mr McDonough. Rest in peace.

My deepest condolences and sympathies to his family and friends.

Joe

R. Barney & R. Weston

Planted Trees

Bob Barney

July 25, 2021

Tom was a wonderful, intelligent and thoughtful person. I´m surprised by his early departure. May he Rest In Peace.

Bill O´Brien

July 23, 2021

I had the distinct pleasure of working with Tom for many years in the Norwood School System. He was an articulate and brilliant teacher with a tremendous background in his subject area. He traveled the world and brought history to life for his students. Most importantly, Tom was a man of impeccable integrity and character. He treated his colleagues and students with great respect and was an inspiration to all including me personally. He made a difference in so many lives and will be missed by all who knew him. My condolences to his family. I am confident that he is in a place where there is no more pain and no more tears. Bill O´Brien

Susan Hand

July 22, 2021

Tom, You are my favorite teacher and I wish I had more time with you to hear your stories!

I'm sure you are in the Palm of God & He is holding you tight for doing His work. You always sought out those kids struggling and just knew how to lift them. Thank you for believing in me when I didn't.

The earth was a better place with you in it. You were an Angel disguised as a history teacher on earth. Now God has a new Angel in Heaven.

To your family, brothers, niece and nephew, Ron, and multitude of friends. Tom spoke so fondly of all of you, You meant the world to him. May the smiles replace the tears and the memories fill your heartbreak. Sympathies.

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