Robert F. McDonough ’81

The class fondly remembers that Bob McDonough lived a full, enthusiastic 50 years, from Feb. 23, 1959, to Jan. 3, 2010.  

The son of Joan and Robert McDonough Sr., Bob arrived in Princeton sporting a blue jacket with the letter “W” for the Westfield High School track team, and carrying the complete works of singer-songwriter Billy Joel. After two years of Cane Spree touch football, a lot of acting with Theatre Intime, among other companies, and cementing enduring friendships with his original RA group, Bob graduated magna cum laude in English.  

At the University of Pennsylvania Law School, Bob served on the Law Review and earned his degree in 1986.  

Bob’s love for Cara Gavin ’84 led to their wedding, two beautiful children — Schuyler and Gavin — and residence in Brooklyn. Bob’s legal career centered on commercial real estate; he practiced with several prestigious law firms and financial institutions.

Bob’s death was unexpected, but his last days were immersed in joyful family life. He will be remembered for his gentleness, zaniness, devotion to family, and deep impact on the many friends and colleagues whose lives he touched. The class extends deepest sympathy to Bob’s family. Bob remains a defining, enduring element of the spirit of our class.