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John McDonough Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for John McDonough
Sponsored by the family.
MD Summers
Yesterday
Having just listened to the long-expected new Jan Karon book, I just had to know why John McDonough had not narrarated it. I, sadly, discovered this obituary and wanted to offer belated condolences to his family and friends. As you know, he was the absolute best. After the Mitford Series, I searched for books in order to hear John bring them to life. His God-given talent was well used and I'm happy to be able to return again and again to his great works. I loved reading that he was Good King Wenceslas, a family favorite. I'll look forward to meeting him in Heaven one day.
SSR
October 7, 2025
I have enjoyed John´s narration of Jan Karon´s Mitford series for decades now. With the release of the new book in the series, I began the audiobook and was surprised and disappointed to hear a different narrator. Just looked up John and discovered that he had passed. He made Jan Karon´s Mitford series come alive with his wonderful, sensitive narration. To me, he was the voice of Father Tim. He will be missed.
Darrell Ramsey
March 20, 2025
I just found out he passed not even a week ago. This one hurts bad as this man was part of my childhood growing up. Although not the original he was terrific as Captain Kangaroo in 97. Thank you John. You're now at the real "treasure house" in heaven. I'll see u up there
Gary Knoble
January 20, 2025
John continues to be missed even though he left us in body several years ago. His friends will always remember his voice as he cheerfully answer his telephone. This unique, kind, and warm voice can still be heard. He narrates James Sellars' Haplomatics that is showing at the New Britain Museum of American art until October
Tyler Norton, Postmaster Weatogue emeritus
January 19, 2025
Johnny McDonough, you may be gone from this life my friend, but you're not forgotten. Your bright smile and wonderful sense of humor brightened every morning at the Weatogue Post Office during your Weatogue Fossil Fuel days. You were a hard working, wonderfully talented guy Captain Kangaroo.
Rose Erath
September 8, 2024
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
I have enjoyed all his narrations and purposely listening to Jan Karon´s audio books again Sept 2024 just to hear his wonderful voice
Anne Scott
September 6, 2024
John´s voice reading the Mitford series literally enabled me to sleep without fear after a traumatic time and I always wanted to thank him. I listened to the books at night for five years and his voice was like a brother standing there saying "
It´s ok Anne, you are safe." I´m so sorry I didn´t write to him sooner. This was between 2015-2020. Thank you and may you know some comfort know ing his voice literally enabled me to sleep without fear for five years. Thank you John. Much love, Anne Scott- Florida
Tom Ranney
August 28, 2024
John and I first met as High School Biology class partners.
From that first handshake he treated me as a best friend for life, even when we went decades without seeing each other.
He was indeed a truly good soul who made the world a better place for all who got to know him even a little bit.
Few of the very many people we meet over a long life can fit in the category of never having any enemies or adversaries.
John is one of a very few whom I have known that surely had only friends in every last person he ever met.
Tom Ranney
Fort Ann, NY
Northwest Catholic High School Class of 1972
Alex Sonski
November 28, 2023
Just like the notation for John beneath his Northwest Catholic High School Yearbook photograph...
"Whenever he met a stranger, he left a friend "
Wendy
July 25, 2023
I´m once again listening to the wonderful voice of John McDonough narrate Jan Karon´s last book "To Be Where You Are" and realized I´d not ever followed through with the mission to look up a bio on this talented man, and to see a photo to see how far off my mind´s eye was from the image of the actual man. What sadness this is to read he had passed away two years ago! Pure sadness to know such talent has left. To his family and friends, I´m sure you are missing this special man, and please know I will be missing his entertaining, homey voice. I´ve read and reread all of Jan Karon´s books, but the best enjoyment I´ve gotten from her excellent storytelling has come through the voice of John McDonough as Father Tim and Uncle Billy and even Miss Sadie and Esther Bullock and Esther Cunningham-and Harley, that´s a particular favorite. They positively come to life! Never will there ever be anyone who can fill the man´s shoes. Bless you all as you travel along without his physical presence, but be forever blessed for having known him and for having the memories galore that must come "standard" with such a guy.
Debbie Wilburn
March 9, 2023
I was deeply saddened to learn of John's passing. I admired his narration of the Midford series. In his voice I could hear the love he had of the written and spoken word. He was such a talented man. I was even more amazed with his abilities and the lives he touched after reading his obituary.
To his family and friends I send my sincere condolences. You were blessed to have known John. I wish I too could have called him friend!
Debbie Wilburn, Roswell, Georgia
Marjorie Moats
November 28, 2022
I want to send the entire family my sincerest condolences on the passing of John. I knew him as the greatest narrator I´ve heard. More specifically of the Jan Karon books. You have no idea how disappointed I was to hear another voice trying to narrate a later title. He truly had a gift and he surely will be missed.
Rose Erath
September 17, 2022
My sincere condolences to the whole family.
I stumbled across this obituary while looking for more narrations by John McDonough. He was by far my favorite narrator and I was actually looking for a way to tell him even looking to see if he had a face book page. May be Rest In Peace. sincerely, Rose Earth
Laura
September 6, 2022
John is my favorite narrator. I am listening to all of the Mitford books again. It prompted me to look up John´s story because I am so touched by his voice. Rest In Peace. I was so saddened to find an obituary. He blesses so many and will continue to do so far into the future.
Eileen S. Morris
August 5, 2022
I am so sad to hear of John's passing. I have been enjoying the Mitford Series and recently finished Book 9, his last narration. John had the perfect voice for Father Tim, and his singing! It gave me chills! He has left us far too early, and I know his listeners, family, and friends will all greatly miss him. God bless you all!
Joseph Provenzano
July 20, 2022
I´m so sorry to hear this. I will always remain such a fan of his work. My sympathies to the family and friends.
Tyler Norton
November 23, 2021
I am saddened to have just learned of John's passing. I had the pleasure of knowing him on a nearly daily basis for six years while serving as the Postmaster of Weatogue. He was a kind, jolly and talented gentleman with a superb sense of humor. I have many fond memories. Over the years, I tried to find a way to contact John but was unsuccessful. My sympathies to many loved ones.
Janet L. Birkmann
November 2, 2021
I discovered the Mitford series in 2010 through the audiobooks. I loved them instantly and they continue to be a big part of my life. I LOVE Mr. McDonough's reading of the stories, and all the voices he created for the various characters. I keep the CDs in my car, and play them very frequently. I have them all copied onto my computer, and often listen to them as I go to sleep. I have ALWAYS intended to find a way to write to Mr. McDonough to tell him how much happiness he brought to my life through his narration of the wonderful Mitford series. I so regret that I never did it. I am greatly saddened to discover that he died in January. I do hope his family members will read this and know that I am probably writing on behalf of countless thousands of Mitford/McDonough fans.
Chris & Dawn
April 5, 2021
I was just googling John McDonough to express my gratitude for his narrating Jan Karon's Mitford Series! And was so very sad to see he left this world.
I read the Mitford series when it first came out and now during Covid, my husband and I are listening to the audio series.
The many voices of the Mitford people and Father Tim himself have become part of our vocabulary around our house! "...... he said, meaning it!" and "Cavanagh, what don't you like?" "Blast!"
And how he could sing the hymns so beautifully - whether in Father Tim's voice or the black gospel Luella's.
My husband is a pastor so we felt the weight and frustration and the joy of these stories! But as they were read aloud with such feeling these emotions became so very real. I don't think we make it through a single listening session (while working puzzles) without tears!
What a loss to the audio world!
Thank you Mr. McDonough for making different worlds and stories come to life!
Suzanne
February 19, 2021
I have just found this obituary because I was trying to find an email address for John McDonough, to thank him for his incredible audiobook narrations of 13 Freddy the Pig books. These books have pretty much gotten my 5 year old through the past year. He has listened to nine of them so far, and each of those, at least 5 times - some of them closer to 15! We live far from family, across the border in Canada, and it has been such a blessing in my life as well as my son's to hear John McDonough's beautiful, perfect capture of the rhythm, accent and humor of these books - it has made me feel at home during a lonely year as well. What an incredibly talented and brilliant person he surely was, and what a huge loss this is to all who loved him. I send my prayers and deepest condolences from British Columbia.
Gary Knoble
February 3, 2021
To Marty, Bill, and his many nieces and nephews, my deepest condolences. Knowing how much he meant to me, I can only imagine the void that his death creates for you. I first met John back in the 1970's at one of his performances at Real Art Ways when it was on Allyn Street in Hartford. My companion, James Sellars, had been searching for a narrator for one of his musical pieces titled "Beulah in Chicago." When I heard John's voice I knew we had found our narrator. I called him and invited him to our house. When he came in he said, "My uncle Ed lived in this house," That was the beginning of a long and full friendship that lasted until his death. For many years he used our apartment in New York City when he was recording his audible books. He collaborated with James on many works over the years, most notably "Haplomatics." He was kind enough to give a performance of "Beulah in Chicago" at James' memorial at the Hartt School of Music. a couple of years ago. When we first met John we were often hosting dinners for James' students at the Hartt School that often lasted well into the night. After the first of these parties John arrived with a pair of pajamas saying, "Since your dinner parties are so long and replete with libations, I am leaving these pajamas here in the event that it will be inadvisable to drive home." They were never used but are still in a drawer in the guest room where they will stay. I cannot believe that I can no longer pick up the phone and hear his joyous voice on the other end reading me some entertaining passage from the New York Times.
Christopher Derby Kilfoyle
February 2, 2021
John was a great and jolly soul always a wise companion. Many fond memories of him at Vincent School and family gathering . My deep condolences to Marty and Bill and all John’s nieces and nephews
Paul A. Mullaney
January 31, 2021
My condolences to John's family and friends on their loss. John was unique in so many ways - his voice, laugh, face and big heart and smile, not to mention his many talents. We were classmates at Holy Cross and in Ireland, where he brilliantly performed Beckett's one-person play, Krapp's Last Tape. May his memory be a blessing to us all.
Paul A. Mullaney, HC '76
Margo Griffin-Wilson
January 30, 2021
My deepest sympathies to John's family, whom he always spoke of with such affection. I was John's classmate at Holy Cross, and he was a dear friend during those years and beyond, though I have not seen him in at least 35 years. We both spent our Junior Year Abroad in Dublin, where John found lodgings in a tall brick boarding house on Northbrook Road. It was right out of Joyce's Dubliners, as though time stood still. I think of all the delightful visits, laughs and cups of tea that I had in that house, where Tommy Gardner ran the show and prepared tea for a motley crew of Dublin men. John fit in so perfectly and added his warmth and laughter to theirs. It was 'great craic', as they say. I had the good fortune of reconnecting with John on the phone this summer. We chatted about his upcoming audio book, our days at the school in Dublin, a visit to Drumcliffe Churchyard and the Cliffs of Moher. It just lifted me up to hear John' s voice and laughter after all the years. I am so honored to have known John. The Irish say, of one who has passed away, Tá sé ar shlí na fírinne 'he is on the way of truth'. That was the road John always took. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Chris and Richard
January 28, 2021
What can one say about someone like John? We feel so blessed to have many wonderfully warm memories of time spent with him at Chorus Angelicus concerts, at performances of all kinds (Greater Tuna!), and at parties and gatherings of friends throughout the past 25 years. His sweet, adoring Nora ,his own Galway Girl, is surely curled up by his feet, contented and whole again. How wonderful that memories of John will forever make us smile and feel warm and loved. Codladh samh, a chara. Go raibh mile agat as an ngra agus na gairi. xo xo
Sheila Hall
January 28, 2021
John was my first best friend, starting in first grade at J.P. Vincent School. We used to get off the school bus at each other's house and everyone on the bus made fun of us. John loved life and fun. He was a wonderful spirit. I'm glad to know that he brought sunshine and humor to so many others during his life. We lost touch in high school but I visited him some years ago in Bloomfield. We hadn't seen each other in 50 years but our friendship didn't skip a beat. My sincerest condolences to Bill, Trudy and Martha. Rest in peace, my dear old friend.
Barbara Dickinson Abbate
January 28, 2021
Bill and Martha, this is a voice from your past. As very small children, we were neighbors in Rocky Hill, CT. Along with your sweet sister Trudy and my sister Mary Lou, we spent many hours together. I did not know John, as he was born after you moved to Bloomfield, but I certainly wish I had. Please accept my sincere sympathy on your loss.
Dana Fulk
January 27, 2021
I have so enjoyed listening to Mr. McDonough reading the Mitford series books. No one could bring Father Tim to life like he. I am so sorry for your loss.
Jeff Higgs
January 27, 2021
Learning of John's passing hit me like a ton of bricks. Though I hadn't seen John in a number of years we had been very close friends during and after college. To put it simply, John was not only brililant but perhaps the most talented person I've ever known. He was a true Renaissance Man. Be it gardening, playing classical guitar, beekeeping, acting, singing, etc... he was incomparable. I truly cherish every moment he and I spent together in college and at his home in Bloomfield. The world is a much poorer place without him.
Paul Pistore (AKA Mister Moose)
January 26, 2021
I met John when he was in a call-back audition for the part of Captain Kangaroo for the new Fox/Saban series. I performed Mister Moose, of course.
The production wanted a younger "more hip" version. John was the opposite. He was avuncular, open friendly, kind of old fashioned, definitely not 'hip'.
After performing with him for about 20 minutes. I knew we'd found our Captain.
I was just the puppeteer, but I approached the executive producer and said, we need this man. He is The Captain. They apparently agreed.
Months later, John and I found ourselves in Florida, preparing to shoot our first episode.
From day one, John set the tone for the show in a way we could have only hoped.
He came to set and the Treasure House came to life.
John touched each of us with his openness and honesty. He elevated each of us with his professionalism and skill. He was The Captain.
Our group, including the behind-the-scenes group became a family.
John was the head of that family. Sure, we had wonderful producers, directors and writers who led the show and watched over the content. They made sure we created a show we could all be proud of. But John was the emotional and if I may say, spiritual core. He drove all of us to be better, just by setting a pitch perfect example.
John was always quick to smile, usually accompanied by his wonderfully infectious laugh.
I loved working on The All New Captain Kangaroo and John was at the center of that love.
I love you John McDonough and I will miss you always.
Maryann D'Amato Wood
January 26, 2021
I knew John from Holy Cross and was lucky enough to share the stage with him at Fenwick more than once. I have so many good memories of him. Sending deep condolences to all who knew and loved him. His presence is, and will continue to be, very much missed.
Rod Brooks
January 26, 2021
So sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a good friend and neighbor. I will miss the many conversations we had over the fence with NORA at his side.
Edward Fox
January 26, 2021
I have such fond memories of John and my other classmates in Dr. Happe’s classics seminar during our freshman year together at Holy Cross in 1972-73. One of our many projects was a production of Antigone, presented in one of the reception rooms in Hogan Center. John starred as Creon with Ann Markham (an equally impressive talent) appearing as Antigone. I was just awed by John’s satin voice, confidence and commanding stage presence. John was always such a jolly and charismatic personality, and I thoroughly enjoyed his many other roles in other HC theater productions during our college years.
Hard to believe it was almost 50 years ago.
My condolences to John’s family and many friends.
Rest in Peace, John.
-Edward Fox, HC ‘76
Bob Wilton
January 26, 2021
It's with quiet sadness and a sharp sense of loss that many of us learn of the passing of John. For me, and for many, many others who shared the joy of hearing or performing with John in a Christmas Angelicus concert, he brought a palpable and memorable sense of the joy, magic and delight of Christmas to life. Over the years, John so skillfully embodied his role that he truly became, in a way, the very figure of Father Christmas himself. I know I speak for many, when I say that that special season of light, love and laughter will never be the same without him. I offer my sincere sympathy and condolences to John's family, friends and colleagues. A giant of the heart and spirit has passed.
Wassail!
Kathleen brennan.
January 26, 2021
What a beautiful radiant face.
Judy
January 25, 2021
You have no idea how many countless hours of joy John brought to me, as I listened to his audiobooks! He will be missed! God bless
Patricia Metcalf
January 25, 2021
John is my favorite to read and give life to all the Mitford book’s characters .Many nights he helps me to sleep.I am so glad I have the audio books .John is much loved and we will miss him very much.I am praying for his family.
Roynn Lisa Simmons
January 25, 2021
I will miss John's unique voice and sweet nature . He narrated several documentaries for me at Connecticut Public Television and always brought sensitivity and dramatic flare to the enterprise. To work with him was pure joy. His generous nature and charming voice will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers go to his family for their loss.
Jenny
January 25, 2021
I worked with John in the audiobook studio for ten years. What a dear man, a delight to work with, always fun to chat with, and a total pro. I'm sad to think I won't be seeing him again. He was so much more than his voice, but, ah, what a voice. I'll remember John as a lovely person -- full of stories and fun and humanity. He might not have always felt sunny. But he always brought a light. I was very fond of John. I miss him.
Duane Brown
January 25, 2021
I was priviledged to see him at Company One, and also as the Captain. Ebullient, gracious and kind to a fault, his spirit will be so sorely missed and happily remembered.
Adreanne good
January 25, 2021
A sweet and kind person with a beautiful heart and a genuine smile that would brighten up a day i had the pleasure of knowing my condolences go out to the family
Ms. G.
January 25, 2021
WOW! What a BEAUTIFUL TRIBUTE! Didn't know John, but wish I had! SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE JOHN!
Joel schlank
January 25, 2021
I remember John from highschool. Always friendly and smiling. Just a nice guy..when he became
Cpt. Kangaroo I told my wife he was the perfect pick. Sorry to hear.
Nancy Ann Parkes
January 25, 2021
I was at Holy Cross with John in the 70's. He was talented, larger than life, and fun to be with. I will never forget him as Pseudolus in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. And his voice! He will be remembered.
Nancy Parkes '76
Athens, Greece
Julie Miller
January 25, 2021
His interpretive voice acting in the Mitford series - and hearing him sing the occasional hymn for the audio - was such a blessing! A true treasure who shall be missed by his audiences!
Leslie Porterfield
January 24, 2021
I am also a Mitford fan and have taken journeys through John's wonderful voice. I am very saddened by his passing and pray that you feel His comfort surround you during this difficult time. God bless you John!
Pamela Johnson
January 24, 2021
He had so many talents and such a beautiful voice. Praying for comfort for his loved ones.
Carrie
January 24, 2021
I did not know John personally, but his wonderful voice has been my companion through many life events in the form of audiobooks. I am so glad part of his legacy is narrating the Jan Karon books. Rest easy John!
Elizabeth Rosner
January 24, 2021
I am one of the thousands of Mitford readers who will forever associate your voice with that of Father Tim. Reading about your many accomplishments and accolades, I see you were all around best suited to be the narrator. Godspeed, sir ❤
Diane Odgers
January 24, 2021
I was introduced to John with the audio version of Jan Karons Mitford books... He made the stories come alive...I am so sorry to hear this news... Thank you John for giving me peace with your readings this past year..
Carolyn Mahon
January 24, 2021
John was a treasure and truly gifted. A fan of his At Home in Mitford narrations, Carolyn Mahon
Joyce Bell
January 24, 2021
I have thought of John as “Father Tim” of the Jan Karon series for years. It’s so sad that I didn’t realize all of his other accomplishments till reading of them in an obituary. His voice was magical. He will be greatly missed.
cheryl daniels
January 24, 2021
IT IS WITH GREAT SADNESS I LEARNED OF JOHN'S PASSING . HE WAS A VERY SPECIAL MAN WITH SO MANY SPECIAL GIFTS. MANY OF US TRULY LOVED HIM. REST WELL DEAR JOHN KNOWING YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MISSED. CHERYL DANIELS
Russ Zaccaro
January 24, 2021
Bill, so sorry to ready about the loss of your brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this sad time.
Hope you are well.
Lynn
January 24, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember John so fondly! You’re right when you say he had a joyous spirit and a ready wit! I was definitely enamored with those qualities in him. Though I haven’t seen him in many many years, I can still recall his amazing resonating voice (he shared his talents in VO with us at Aetna). RIP John!
Lynn
January 24, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember John so fondly! You’re right when you say he had a joyous spirit and a ready wit! I was definitely enamored with those qualities in him. Though I haven’t seen him in many many years, I can still recall his amazing resonating voice (he shared his talents in VO with us at Aetna). RIP John!
Robert J. O’Connor
January 23, 2021
John was a wonderful family friend. I enjoyed my time working for him at Weatogue Fossil Fuel! He will be missed. Peace to his family.
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