Thomas J. McDonough

PORTLAND – Thomas J. McDonough, 62, of Portland, passed away on Feb. 15, 2022 from injuries sustained in a tragic accident in Marathon, Fla. He passed peacefully, his loving daughter, Betsy, by his side.

He was born in Portland on July 10, 1959 to Thomas and Elizabeth McDonough. After graduation from high school, he took to the high seas as a commercial fisherman. He loved working on the gill netters and long liners out of Portland. He enjoyed the beauty of the ocean, the solitude of the long nights on watch, and especially the lifelong friends he made along the way. He loved telling stories of his escapades as a fisherman and the many ports and taverns he visited along the way.

In the early ’80s, as an independent taxi driver in Portland, Tom and his father had a vision of starting a taxi company with real family values. ABC Taxis was launched in 1984 and went on to become the biggest taxi company north of Boston. ABC Taxis really was one big, happy, dysfunctional family for the next 35 years. He then went on to start Westbrook Taxi with his partner Norma, a leader in the transportation industry for many years.

Tom was a lover of all things Irish. He made several trips to the old country, always discovering a new aunt, uncle, cousin or friend along the way. His knowledge and love of Irish folk music was unsurpassed and brought him many hours of happiness.

Always a tinkerer by nature, there wasn’t an old radio, TV, car, truck, boat, RV, jukebox, or pinball machine he wasn’t willing to try and put back in working order. His latest work in progress was a tuna boat he was bound and determined to get up and running, eager to get back on the high seas and catch the big one.

Tom will be forever remembered for his kind heart, his generosity and his love of family.

Tom is predeceased by his father, mother; and partner, Norma Bridges.

He is survived by his daughters Betsy Staples and her husband Donald of Westbrook, Alicia Kelly of Marathon, Fla., Ryan Kelly of Windham; grandchildren Melissa, Taylor, Jorden, Giovanni, Jovanni, Matyas, Raydon, Robbie, Sam, Riley and Piper; sister, Mary Talbot and husband John, sister, Bettiann McDonough; nephews Allan and Ryan and nieces Natalie and Kennedy; uncle, John McDonough of Portland, aunt, Gail Gray of New York; and many cousins.

Per his request, funeral services will be private. A celebration of life will be held at the Irish American Heritage Club in Portland Maine on Saturday, March 5 from 12-4 pm. Thank you John McDonough Jr. for providing us with a place for the celebration.