John Donald "Don" MacDougal

John Donald "Don" MacDougal, age 78 of Glen Ellyn, IL, passed away on January 5, 2026. Beloved husband of Paulette nee Lissuzzo; loving father of John Joseph "JJ" MacDougal, Matthew (Georgia) MacDougal and Kelly MacDougal; proud grandfather of Hailee, Lexie, Mac, Dorothy, Crosby, Dorian, Isaac and Emery; cherished son of the late John and Dorothy MacDougal; dear brother of Marcy (the late John) Wilson; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.
John Donald MacDougal was welcomed into the world by his mother Dorothy (McInerney), his father John Daniel MacDougal and to his one and only big sister Marcy (Wilson), on April 1st, 1947. He was known to all that loved and befriended him simply as Don. His devoted wife of 50 years, Paulette (Lissuzzo) lovingly called him MacDougal, while his eight grandchildren adoringly called him Papa Don or just Papa. More than anything, Don loved his whole family with his whole heart for his whole life: his wife Paulette, son John Joseph (JJ), son Matthew William, daughter Kelly Marie, daughter-in-law Georgia (Horenberger), and his grandchildren: Hailee, Lexie, Dorothy, Mac, Crosby, Dorian, Isaac, and Emery. Don had a big enough heart to love all his children and grandchildren for their unique personalities and talents, and he was especially grateful to play such a large role in helping to raise Mac and Crosby. He is and forever will be proud of the young men they are.
As both a father and husband, Don was a pillar of strength for all to lean on when you were most in need of support. A strength that was more profound in its subtleness because it was always quietly there. If asked, though, our father would tell you that the foundation for his strength was firmly cemented in a deep and unwavering faith he had in the teachings of Jesus and the Holy Catholic Church that he carried with him throughout his entire life. The seed of his faith was planted early by his mother Dorothy, but it was Don that watered and nurtured and developed his faith over the course of his life. Growing up, Don attended St. Eulalias and then Fenwick High School, where at both he served as an altar boy. While at Fenwick, he was elected as President of the Teen Club, a faith-based youth organization. He even carried his faith with him to college by attending Marquette University, where he would earn a Bachelor's Degree in Business. Don's faith in the grace and compassion that Jesus has for us was reflected in every aspect he lived his live: in his ability to forgive, in his humility, and in his unconditional and eternal love for his family.
Just after Jesus and family, Don also loved sports. After college, he had a thirty-year career at Wilson Sporting Goods, eventually becoming the Director of Logistics. He was a great baseball player and loved the White Sox. As an adult, he and mom loved playing tennis and golf together. It is sports that fortuitously brought our parents together as well, since it is at Wilson Sports that Don met Paulette Lissuzzo in 1973. Right away Paulette liked Don's sense of humor and kind smile but it wasn't until after braving a Lissuzzo Christmas dinner that Paulette knew Don was the one. On October 19th, 1975, our parents started their 50-year long journey together. In those 50 years, Don and Paulette shared a life filled with ups and downs, love and heartache, hope and grief. Yet through all the trials and triumphs of their lifetime together, Don and Paulette demonstrated to us all what vows, faith, and sacrifice look like.
Finally, Don was proud of his Irish and Scottish heritage, and we are all proud to carry on his name and legacy as we guide our families through the time we have left together. Like a true Scotsmen, Don was a sturdy, barrel-chested, broad-shouldered man who was capable of carrying all our weight when it was most heavy. And just like the name, Don was a simple guy who was just happy to be with friends and family, tell a good story, or share some quiet words of wisdom when needed the most. We will forever miss you but forever carry you in our hearts.
Well done my good and faithful servant, Matthew 25: 21
A Visitation for Don will be held at DuPage Funeral Chapel (951 W. Washington Street, West Chicago) on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 4-7 PM. Family and friends to gather at St. Petronille Catholic Church (420 Glenwood Avenue, Glen Ellyn) on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, for Mass at 11 AM. Interment private.