Gerard M. McDonough

Gerard (Jack) M. McDonough, 77 of Universal City, Texas was called home on 4 April 2020. Jack was the 9th child born to Charlotte M. Schermerhorn McDonough., He is survived by one Sister, Judy Larkin, Carbondale, PA; longtime Friend, J. R. Hooker, Universal City, TX; many nephews, nieces, cousins; many caring and longtime friends; and his beloved Cat, Snuggles. To know Jack was to love him; he would literally give you the shirt off his back with the theory, "better to give than to receive". For those whom knew Jack, "he never meet a stranger and he loved to talk with everyone he met, sometimes forcing a conversation.

Jack had a distinguished combined Army and Air Force Career spanning 29 years. He achieved the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, the highest enlisted grade, and garnished many achievements and awards including: the Air Force Training Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, NCO Professional Military Education Graduation Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award with six oak leaf clusters, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon with two oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with seven oak leaf clusters, Air Force Organizational Excellent Award, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters.

Jack was a lifelong Catholic. Before retiring from the Air Force in January 1990, Jack was very active in the Randolph AFB Catholic Parish, serving as a member and the president. Subsequently, he became very active in the St John Neumann Parish where he was on the parish council, and later serving as the president where he organized and oversaw many annual festivals. Jack then moved to St Monica Catholic Church, Converse, TX where he was on the Parish Council. There he organized several St Monica Feast Days and Mardi Gras Events for all Parishioners to show the Pastor's appreciation. Another love of Jack's was being able to serve on the board as member of The Friends of Padua (home for retired Priests).

If you knew Jack, you would know he was an absolute pet lover. He had a vision of seeing a great, air conditioned, clean U. C. Animal Shelter, and he served on the committee that made his vision come true! Jack rescued numerous cats and dogs, often paying for the veterinary care needed and getting them adopted.

Jack's life was a Blessing to many and will be missed by many. A Holy Rosary will be recited June 7th 2021 at 10:30 am with a Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 am at St Monica Catholic Church, Converse TX. Burial with Full Military Honors will be at 1:00 pm, June 7th 2021 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Jack's memory may be made to: Saint Monica Catholic Church Building Fund or Saint Monica St Vincent DePaul Society, 501 North Street, Converse, TX 78109