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Norbert ‘Norby’ McDonough, just a good man

November 10, 2017

Norbert “Norby” McDonough, 82, of Kennett Square, Pa., saw his last sunset on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2017, at home surrounded by family and friends. Known as “Pops” to everyone, he was husband to Marlene Madonna, his childhood sweetheart and bride of 61 years.

Born and raised in Broomall, Pa., he was the son of Patrick McDonough and Sarah (Hunter) McDonough. Norby graduated from Saint Agnes High School in 1953.

He went to work for the U.S. Postal Service, where he would spend his next 41 years, retiring in 2001 as the postmaster in Concordville, Pa. Not content to ease into retirement, Norby spent the remainder of his life managing the family property in Kennett Square. In his spare time, he volunteered his time at the Kennett Food Cupboard where, in October 2017, Norby was recognized for his dedication to the community.

A lifelong resident of Pennsylvania and longtime resident of Kennett Square, Norby always considered the Delaware coast to be his second home. Over the years, he and his family spent their summers at the beach. After several summers in Rehoboth Beach, Norby and Marlene found their summer oasis in Dewey Beach on New Orleans Street. Were you to walk past the house, you would more often than not, find him in a beach chair in the front yard, smile on his face and his wry sense of humor waiting to pounce.

As best described, Norby was, “Just a good man.” Whether it was a customer at the post office, a resident in his apartment building, someone visiting the food cupboard, or someone simply walking down the street, all could count on one thing. Norby treated them the same. With love, respect and kindness. He truly was a good man.

Norby loved his family. He especially loved doting on his grandchildren, creating lasting memories each summer as they grew up. Happy times spent on the beach, at the beach house, and for some of them, Saturday happy hours at Scully’s or The Starboard.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by Karen McMahon (Gary Ceman) of Rehoboth Beach, and their children Christopher McMahon (Krissy), Jack McMahon, and Ally Ceman. Eileen Taylor (Tom Taylor) of Newark, and their daughters, Ally and Molly. Noreen Lasorsa of Wilmington, and her son Payton. He is also survived by his sister Kathleen Liberace of Harrisonburg, Va., his sister-in-law Betty McDonough of Winter Haven, Fla., and many special friends and family members. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his older brother, Patrick McDonough. 

You are invited to visit with his family and friends from 4 to 6 p.m., Sunday afternoon, Nov. 12, and again 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Monday morning, Nov. 13, at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home, 250 West State St., Kennett Square. His Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m., at St. Patrick Church, 212 Meredith St., Kennett Square. Burial will be in  Saint Patrick’s Cemetery, Kennett Square.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Kennett Food Cupboard, 136 West Cedar St., Kennett Square, PA 19348, or to Saint Patrick Church, 205 LaFayette St., Kennett Square, PA 19348.

To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.griecocares.com

 

 

 

 

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