Francis T. McDonough

Francis Thomas "Max" McDonough, age 83, of Clearwater, Florida passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 18, 2024. Francis was born in Mineville, NY on September 29, 1940, to William Oden McDonough and Nellie (Catanzarita) McDonough.

Max graduated high school in Mineville, NY and went on to earn his BS degree in education from SUNY Plattsburgh.  Max later took up residence in the Saratoga Springs area.  As a teacher, coach, horse trainer, and bartender he was well known in the community and had many close friends, including the late James O’Brien also of Mineville.  Max later moved to the Tampa area of Florida in 2002, where he resided until his death.

Max was an elementary school teacher with a career that spanned over 30 years, retiring in 1999.  Max primarily taught 5th grade in the Saratoga Springs School District (NY).  Max also coached football, baseball and basketball and is still revered by many students that he taught and student athletes that he coached.  He possessed a great sense of humor and used that humor to put people at ease and to uplift others during difficult situations.  He also emphasized the importance of teamwork and camaraderie as life skills with his students and his athletes. His love of sports also included playing tennis with his daughter Katie, golf with his sons and softball with friends and family.  Among his many hobbies and interests, the sport of horse racing, including being a licensed trainer and owning horses was his greatest passion.

Max is survived by sons William (Christine) McDonough, Robert (Lyn) McDonough, Scott McDonough and a daughter, Katherine McDonough.  He is also survived by seven grandchildren, William Jr. McDonough, Meghan McDonough, Brandon (Anna) McDonough, Mercedes McDonough, Natalie McDonough, Nicholas McDonough, and Emily McDonough, and cousins Kathy Corbo, Thomas (Brenda) Corbo, and Rosemary (Corbo) Vara. 

Max grew up as a close relative to the Corbo family in Mineville.  Francis and Anna Mae Corbo thought of Francis like a son, and Tom Corbo thought of him as a big brother growing up in the 1960’s and 70’s, with many fond memories of their adventures together. Tom is deeply saddened by his passing.

Private services will be held in Port Henry, NY and he will be laid to rest with his mother and father in St. Patrick's Cemetery.

Donations can be made to Saratoga Community Hospice at 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY  12866.

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