John Francis McDonough III

John F. McDonough

John Francis McDonough III—husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, veteran—passed away at home, surrounded by family, on Saturday, May 16, 2026. He was 80 years old.

Born on January 24, 1946, to John and Mary (McGuire) McDonough in Elyria, John lived a life devoted to family, friends and his selfless nature.

Following his graduation from Elyria Catholic High School in 1964, he attended The Ohio State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (and becoming a lifelong Buckeyes fan).

In 1968, John was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving in the 1st Infantry Division (“The Big Red One”). He bravely fought on the front lines in Vietnam for two years, ascending to the rank of sergeant before completing his service—and concluding the most harrowing, but also character-defining, chapter of his life.

After the Army, John embarked on a storied career in sales that spanned nearly four decades. He took great pride in the many years he worked for Nordson Corporation in Amherst, where he became an expert in all things powder coating and robotics—and learned to woo customers by taking them walleye fishing on his prized Four Winns boat.

John is survived by the love of his life, Kristin (Hofmann) McDonough. Through 54 wonderful years of marriage, John and Kristin shared a bond that only grew with each new challenge, along with every new child, grandchild and, most recently, great-grandchild they welcomed with open arms.

He leaves behind three adoring children in Gretchen Parks (Larry) of Springfield, Missouri, John Francis McDonough IV (Morgan) of Avon Lake and Tom McDonough, who resides in Hartford, Connecticut. He will also be dearly missed by his eight grandchildren and the many brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews that life—with some help from his Irish Catholic family—was generous enough to bestow on him.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary McDonough; and his sisters, Kathleen Murphy and Laureen McDonough.

When he wasn’t hard at work supporting his family, John enjoyed relaxing by his pool, fishing and watching sports with his sons and spending time with his grandkids (whether that meant being an outspoken Little League fan or imparting invaluable wisdom as they matured). John was also quite fond of beach vacations, never missing a family reunion in Pensacola, Florida, and always seizing the opportunity to escape to St. Maarten with close friends.

To honor John’s life, services will be held at Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home at 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Elyria, on Thursday, May 28 at 3p.m. Guests can arrive as early as 2p.m.

Immediately after the service (at 5 p.m.), the celebration of John’s life will continue at the American Legion in Avon Lake—with food, beverages and countless stories. At a later date, he will be laid to rest at Ridge Hill Memorial Cemetery in Amherst, following a private ceremony.

Donations can be made in John’s memory to the https://www.pow-miafamilies.org/donation

Flowers can be sent to the family at Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home.

For those unable to attend the service, please share your condolences or a fond memory of John online at https://www.laubenthalmercado.com/obituaries/john-mcdonough