Obituary of Michael E. McDonough

Michael E. McDonough, 52, of South Glastonbury, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, January 24, 2016. Born on December 20, 1963 in Tacoma, Washington to Beverly (McDonough) Nuttall of Old Lyme and Ronald B. McDonough of Sacramento, California, Michael grew up in Old Saybrook, where he attended high school. Michael attended the University of Connecticut, where he attained his bachelor’s, master’s, and juris doctorate (summa cum laude) degrees. Following a career as a school teacher in Hartford, he began practicing law at Murtha Cullina LLP in 1997. Michael became a partner in 2005, serving as Chair of the Business & Finance Department for many years before joining the firm’s Executive Committee in 2014. Over his legal career, Michael received numerous honorary awards and distinctions. He brought intelligence, empathy, and dedication to his work, and is sorely missed by his colleagues and partners. Michael will be remembered and honored by all who knew and loved him as a loyal, generous, and vibrant man. His genuine interest in learning from and listening to others gave him the rare gift of making honest connections with anyone he met, from all walks of life. None were luckier to know Michael than those who grew up with him through the years, and with whom Michael maintained lifelong friendships. He cherished gathering with his childhood friends and their families every July 4th weekend in Old Saybrook, tailgating at Patriots games, and feeding his deep passion for music through attending frequent concerts and playing guitar in a band formed with legal colleagues and friends. Proud of his Wampanoag, Narragansett, and Mohegan heritage, Michael was a Tribal Council member of the Hamilton Band Mohegan tribe. He enjoyed attending tribal gatherings and was known by his Indian name White Owl. Above all, Michael was a devoted father and beloved husband who delighted in his family. Photographs of his children and their artwork covered his office, surrounding him always with their love, laughter, and accomplishments. Michael is survived by his wife Ffiona McDonough and his four children, Sean, Mary-Kait, Alana, and Brannoc; father Ronald B. McDonough and his partner Marilyn Hawes; mother Beverly (McDonough) Nuttall and stepfather Albert H. Nuttall; siblings Brian McDonough, Stephanie McDonough, and Monica McDonough-Bradin; mother-in-law Roberta Jones; sister-in-law Bronwyn Jones-Mortell; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by his father-in-law, Dr. William P. Jones. A celebration of Michael’s life will be held on February 15, 2016 at 10:30 am at the University of St. Joseph at 1678 Asylum Avenue in West Hartford. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in Michael’s memory are asked to consider the Michael E. McDonough Memorial Scholarship, Institutional Advancement, University of St. Joseph. For online condolences, please visit www.mulryanfh.com. “I’ll gently rise and softly call/Goodnight, and joy be with you all/So fill me to the parting glass/Goodnight, and joy be with you all.”