William McDonough

WILLIAM JAMES McDONOUGH, age 63, of Leesburg, VA died Tuesday, July 30, 2002 at his home after a long battle with cancer. He was the owner and operator of the Loudoun Funeral Chapels in both Leesburg and Lovettsville, VA. He was born February 12, 1939 in Brooklyn, NY, the son of the late Joseph J. and Kathryn P. McDonough. He attended Arlington County Public Schools, received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1961 from Roanoke College, Salem, VA in Economics and Business Administration and later a graduate of Lewisville School of Mortuary Science, Lewisville, Kentucky, "Magna Cum Laude". Bill's life in funeral service began in 1956, on a part-time basis, with Robert J. Murphy Funeral Homes, Arlington, VA. In 1964 he joined Murphy's full-time, and in 1974 became the General Manager of both locations, Arlington and Falls Church. Through encouragement from his wife Shirley, wanting to return home to Leesburg plans were set to open his own funeral establishment. On June 1, 1977 ground was broken for the Loudoun Funeral Chapel. In August of 1980 Brown Funeral Home selected Loudoun Funeral Chapel to succeed it in its long tradition of funeral service to the community. Since April 30, 1978 the day of dedication, Mr. McDonough and his family have been caring for families in their time of need. He was a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, the Virginia Funeral Directors Association, the Northern Virginia Funeral Directors Association, the Independent Funeral Homes of Virginia, the Leesburg United Methodist Church, the local Masonic Lodge, the Shriners, and the Lions Club. Survivors include his loving wife of 31 years, Shirley Potterfield McDonough, of Leesburg, VA, five children: Kathryn Elizabeth Webb, of Leesburg, VA, William J. McDonough II, of Asburn, VA, Mark J. McDonough, of Leesburg, VA, Dianna Jan Simmons, of Bluemont, VA, and Theresa Louise Bucci, of Stafford, VA, ten grandchildren including: Matthew, Megan and Morgan Webb, two aunts, Ethel S. Baker, of Falls Church and Alice Pollits, of Dunkirk, MD, also many other family and friends. Friends may call from 4-9 PM, Friday, August 2, 2002 at Loudoun Funeral Chapel, 158 Catoctin Circle, Leesburg, VA with Masonic services at 7 PM. Funeral services will be held 1:00 PM, Saturday, August 3, 2002 at the Leesburg Baptist Church, 835 Lee Ave., S.W., Leesburg, VA with Rev. James Ward officiating. Interment will follow in Union Cemetery, Leesburg, VA. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Dominion Academy, 835 Lee Ave., Leesburg, VA 20175 or to the Home Health Care Hospice, 8245 Boone Blvd., Suite 403, Vienna, VA 22182 or to the American Cancer Society, P.O., Box 699, Vienna, VA 22183-0699 in memory of William James McDonough. Condolences may be sent to www.pricefh.com

William McDonough

February 12, 1939 - July 30, 2002