Ed you supported everything I was involved in  during my tenure at MEMA and after retirement. You were one of the of my staunch supporters.
I miss you already. Thank you so much.
Lauren Holley-Allen
Towson, Maryland

I got to experience the brilliance of Ed during the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. I was impressed by his mastery of crisis comms and his ability to bring a massive group of people together to accomplish one goal. His warmth and humor was a light during a dark time and looked forward to hearing his voice each day on our calls.
His wisdom and leadership will be sorely missed. RIP Ed, you're a great one.

I got to experience the brilliance of Ed during the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. I was impressed by his mastery of crisis comms and his ability to bring a massive group of people together to accomplish one goal. His warmth and humor was a light during a dark time and looked forward to hearing his voice each day on our calls. His wisdom and leadership will be sorely missed. RIP Ed, you're a great one!

Ed. You're in Heaven. Thank you for teaching me to be a PIO and thank you for your vast support during COVID.  I'll never forget you and will push forward with the knowledge you bestowed upon me. God bless you. 

Charlie

Ed was a passionate guy and a true professional. It's hard to think of MDEM without Ed. I will miss him! Back prior to 2020, we were friends on Twitter and we would share info about emergency management and PIOing back and forth. Ed was one reason I wanted to become a Marylander and try EM in the Mid-Atlantic. He heavily impacted my life related to that. I wish him peace and his family health and happiness. I will miss you, friend.

Wow!  We shared some times at MEMA working storms in the JIC.  You were always a friendly face at so many events throughout the State.  You were a significant factor for the planning of the Mid-Atlantic Life Safety conferences.  And yes, you were cantankerous in the best meaningful way!  I shall miss our animated discussions concerning, well, just about anything.   I am proud to have known you and I am grateful for our shared love of being media relation specialists.  The PIO world will miss you greatly.

Angela. Amber, Heather, Matt, Chad, Cody, and Seth:

Ed was a wonderful man and a true professional among public information officers.  I always enjoyed working with him on stories, and was honored to speak at one of his PIO classes a few years back.
Please know that he had a huge impact on emergency services in Maryland and we are all grateful for his service.  
My condolences to all of you, and may his memory be a blessing.

Amber, Matt, Chad and Heather I am so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing.  I have lots of great memories hanging out with your Dad and you kids.  With deepest sympathy.  Sending prayers and hugs

The Emergency Management External Affairs Association (EMEAA) joins the Emergency Management and Public Information Officer communities in recognizing and honoring the passing of Edward J. McDonough. Ed was, without exaggeration, a legend in the field of risk and crisis communications. In addition to his service to the Maryland Department of Emergency Management, Ed was a seasoned and adored public information instructor. His wisdom and experiences will live on in the next generation of communicators. Our thoughts, prayers, and extreme gratitude go out to his family, friends, and colleagues. Thank you, Ed. We miss you but will not forget you.

We'll miss you Ed. We'll miss you so much.

My deepest condolences to all who knew him. Ed was my instructor for my basic PiO classes, and became a friend and mentor. I always enjoyed running into him, and have learned so much from him. May he rest in peace - I miss ya, Ed.

Ed was a great man and always wonderful to work with. He was very good with messaging and the public viewpoint, and always a strong partner and friend of us at the National Weather Service. He will be greatly missed.

To Ed's beloved children: 

I worked with your father and I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing. Ed was a highly respected figure in the public information officer (PIO) community. His dedication to his work and his professionalism were truly admirable. He had a remarkable ability to connect with others and build strong relationships within the industry. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ed was known for his kindness and genuine good nature. He will be deeply missed by many.

Please accept my sincerest condolences.

OBITUARY

Edward Joseph McDonough

December 25, 1957 – January 12, 2025

Lemmon Funeral Home of Dulaney Valley Inc.

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Past Services

Visitation

Funeral Service

Committal Service