Shane G. McDonough

Shane G. McDonough, a long time resident of the Greater Lowell area has passed away after a short health battle. He was the beloved husband of Noelle (Centore) McDonough whom he shared 35 years of marriage.

He was the son of the late Clement G. and Sarah (Jones) McDonough.

He attended Lowell schools (LHS 1972). Shortly after graduation he enlisted in the U. S. Air Force serving as an Air Traffic Controller. His service included a year in South Korea. One week prior to completing his year over seas Shane had to return home on his mother’s passing. After completing four years of service he received an honorable discharge and returned home to Lowell. No matter where life would take him he was most proud of being a veteran.

Shane’s education would include a B.S. in Aviation Management, B.S. in Law Enforcement and M.S. in Criminal Justice Administration. In 1978 he began working for the Nashua, New Hampshire Police Department. During this time he was selected by his peers to give the graduation speech to the 53rd graduating class of the NH Police Academy. In addition, Shane was invited back to the Police Academy to represent Nashua for another graduation. In 1984 Shane returned to Massachusetts and was a long time Police Officer.

Shane’s retirement allowed him to pursue his many hobbies. He was extremely well read. He always had two or three books going at the same time. His favorite book being the bible. He always kept a case with three translations in his car. He liked nothing better than pulling up to a quiet spot like the ocean or Willard Brook State Park, Ashby for some quiet reading. He had a lifelong interest in cameras and it’s safe to say he took photographs everyday.

Shane was an expert on the careers of Frank Sinatra and Elvis. He loved the music of both but Elvis was a gift from his sister Janice. She bought him his first Elvis record in 1964 and from then on there was no doubt who his favorite was. He saw both Sinatra and Elvis in concert many times. He sat front row for Sinatra at the opening of the Worcester Centrum. He would see Elvis shows in multiple cities. His last two Elvis concerts were front row seats in Las Vegas during Elvis’ last engagement there. Shane loved Las Vegas because he could see Elvis three nights in a row. He said nothing could stop him from seeing the greatest entertainer who ever lived perform eight feet in front of you. The greatest show on earth. After Elvis’ passing Shane, Noelle and Janice became familiar faces at Graceland.

Shane wanted his obituary to include a mention of friendship. Everybody has select people who become a part of their life. He couldn’t imagine his time in the air force without Hank Stey, Gerald Lafrance and the late Bob Lynn. Life long friends you meet in grade school and 60 years later they’re still there for you, Shane wanted to thank Larry Feeney, Mike Miles, Rob Kew and the late Fred O’Brien who all made his life better.

In addition to his wife Noelle, Shane is survived by a daughter, Alayna McDonough; sister, Janice Wells; brother, Perry McDonough and his wife Kathleen; as well as in-laws, cousins and many nieces and nephews. He was also the brother of the late Mark K McDonough and predeceased by his special friend, Nancy Petralia.

Shane loved animals. Throughout his life he had dozens of loving cats, most recently Sammy. The McDonough family dog was Chopper, he would follow Shane and friends around. He would wait outside the Oakland and Moody schools. Chopper loved downtown and patiently sat outside stores and restaurants for Shane and friends to come out. It wasn’t uncommon to see him sitting outside the Chicken House, Harvey’s Bookland and finish the day on the sidewalk while Shane looked at records in Garnick’s Music.

Because nobody really knows what happens when you pass away Shane came up with his own answers. He felt one would crossover and fall asleep on the other side. He would wake up seeing Chopper walk down a beautiful path coming to take Shane home to see all those he had missed.

Per Shane’s request services were held privately. Donations may be made in his memory to either the Lowell Humane Society, 951 Broadway Street, Lowell, MA 01854 or the American Heart Association, P.O. BOX 840692, Dallas, TX 75284.