Stephen M. McDonough

Stephen Michael McDonough, Sr., 95, of Bordentown, NJ, passed away peacefully on February 4th with his family surrounding him. Born in Pittsburgh, PA, he moved to Brooklyn, NY, at the age of two. He later spent time in Bordentown with his grandparents, where he met the love of his life, Connie.

Stephen enjoyed life to the fullest and always had a wonderful sense of humor. He loved making people laugh and relied heavily on his faith and prayers. He was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Church in Bordentown, NJ, and the last remaining charter member of the Bordentown Elks. His greatest joy was spending time with his best friend and beloved wife, Connie—by her side, he was his happiest self. Some of his fondest memories included being snowbirds in Florida and traveling with family and friends. He loved and adored his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Stephen was predeceased by his beloved parents, Edward and Grace McDonough; his siblings,Edward McDonough and Elsie Lies; and his daughter, Patricia Gates. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Constance (Connie) McDonough; his sister, Grace Wruck; his children, Stephen McDonough (Robin), Edward McDonough, Marybeth Ricasoli (Leonard), and Dave Gates; his grandchildren, Christopher Neuman (Laura), Christopher Trascapoulis (Jenn), Matthew Trascapoulis(Heather), David Gates (Alesha), Jason McDonough (Tara), Joshua McDonough, Amanda Gates(Ryan), Jenna McDonough, Dominic Ricasoli (Julia), Alexander Ricasoli (Taylor), Liam McDonough,and Molly McDonough; and his great-grandchildren, Christopher Trascapoulis, Caitlyn Trascapoulis,Ava Berroa, Elias McDonough, Scarlett McDonough, Adeline Gates, Carter Berroa, Drew Ricasoli, and baby Ricasoli. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Clementine Klimek and Eleanor Delaurentis, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Steve and Connie cherished memories of attending sandwich night every Wednesday at the Elks and going to O’Connor’s every Sunday with his nephew Gene Tunney and Cathy, his niece Barbara Danley and Frank, his niece Delores Tatter, and many others who would often join them.

Stephen proudly served in the United States Marines, where he became a helicopter mechanic. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant. After leaving the Marines, his uncle, Bal Guire, asked Steve to work for him, and Steve went on to become a union printer for Guire Printing for many years. He also worked part-time as a bartender at Eddie’s Bar for his best friend, Reds Fuller. In addition, Steve made rubber stamps for many businesses. He ended his career working in the mail room for the New Jersey Turnpike.

A visitation will be held on Friday, February 13th, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the Peppler Funeral Home,122 Crosswicks Street, Bordentown. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, 45 Crosswicks Street, Bordentown. Interment will follow at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery in Arneytown.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Stephen's name to the Bordentown Elks Lodge, 11 Amboy Rd. Bordentown NJ 08505