Michael J. McDonough, of Melrose and formerly of Rinn, Carraroe, Co. Galway, Ireland passed away peacefully, in the presence of his loving family, on January 5 at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital. He was 87. Always ready with a joke and a kind word, Michael will be dearly missed by his family and many friends. Michael loved his vegetable garden, making his renowned Irish bread, and enjoying a pint of Guinness. Michael was a 45-year employee of The Boston Gas Company, the United Steelworkers Union, and a proud member of the Connemara Gaels Irish football club during the 1960's and member of North Shore Irish Association. Michael was predeceased by his first wife, Margaret J. (Connolly) McDonough of St. Paul, MN and Rosmuc, Co. Galway Ireland and his wife, Jane E. (Tiernan) of Everett, MA, his parents Martin and Margaret McDonough, sisters Bridie Thomas, and Mary Molloy and brothers Patrick McDonough and Martin McDonough and survived by his children Martin McDonough and spouse John Burnais of New York City, Michael and Rhonda McDonough of Andover, John and Linda McDonough of Winchester, Patrick and Patricia McDonough of Stoneham, Matthew McDonough of Everett, and Anna Marie McDonough and Liam Curran of Dorchester, his sister's Barbara Flynn, Margaret Nee, Sarah McDonough, sisters-in-law Maura McDonough, Lorette Tiernan, Anne Tiernan, Barbara Tiernan, brothers-in-law Patrick Connolly and John Galgon, grandchildren Michael McDonough, Margaret McDonough, Carla McDonough, Erin McDonough, Luke McDonough, Sarah McDonough and John McDonough along with many beloved cousins, nephews and nieces. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Michael McDonough to Preventive Food Pantry at Boston Medical Center, Office of Development, 801 Massachusetts Ave., First Flr., Boston, MA 02118-2393. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the wake and funeral will be private. A Celebration of Life will be held when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Arrangement by the Gately Funeral Home, Melrose.