Joseph John McGough, Jr., 97, of Ocala, Florida passed away peacefully at his home on January 31, 2021. He was born September 26, 1923 to Lorraine and Joseph McGough, Sr. of Bennings, District of Columbia, and was the oldest of five children.
During his childhood, the family moved to Philadelphia, PA, where he grew up and received a Catholic School education. At age 18, Joseph joined the U.S. Army and served in WWII. His unit, the 155th Field Artillery Division, entered the European theater via Northern Africa, worked its way up through Italy, into France, and eventually into Germany. Joseph was wounded twice in the line of duty, but never gave up and was present for the Liberation of Europe. For his bravery and service, he was awarded the Purple Heart.
Following the war, he returned to Philadelphia where he met and married the love of his life, Doris May Dean. Joseph was a skilled mason and worked as a bricklayer. He became a father at age 40, welcoming his only son Michael.
Upon retiring in 1989, Joseph and Doris moved to Ocala from Exton, PA. Joseph enjoyed reading, golfing, and computer club, maintaining a determination to keep up with modern technology. He was curious, wise, and kind. He was deeply religious and grateful for God’s blessings. He loved his family and especially his two grandchildren, Olivia and Joseph. He was a lovely human being, an honorable man, and a deserved member of “the Greatest Generation.”
Joseph John McGough, Jr., is survived by his son Michael, daughter-in-law Lynn, and grandchildren Olivia Lorraine and Joseph Winston McGough, all of Summit, NJ.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Doris May Dean; parents, Lorraine and Joseph McGough, Sr.; and his siblings, Anne Peterson of Norristown, PA, Gene McGough of Philadelphia, PA, Frank McGough of Wareham, MA, and Vincent McGough of Philadelphia, PA.
A memorial mass service for Joseph will be held at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Ocala on April 8th at 8:30AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Charities or to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.