Beloved Teammate and Friend
9/3/92-7/14/07
Andrew McDonough of the U-14 Boys Roadkill went to heaven on Saturday, July 14 at 1:55 PM of complications from sepsis shock due to leukemia. Although Andrew played at the Indoor State Cups on Jan. 27, he was not feeling well. The next day after feeling worse, he was taken to the hospital where he was diagnosed with leukemia and an abdominal infection which had ravaged his body. Andrew spent 167 days putting up an unbelievable battle against this infection. Andrew had countless surgeries and procedures and overcame long odds each and every day. He amazed us daily with his tremendous spirit and his will to live. His 167 day epic battle has been an inspiration to all of us that knew him. Andrew will be a hero to us all forever.
Andrew was a tremendous player, a great teammate and wonderful friend. But more importantly, Andrew was a tremendous young man. A website was created by his wonderful sister Ali where people kept tabs on his journey and even left messages for Andrew and his family in the Guestbook. Here is a link:
Andrew McDonough CareBridge Site. Please feel free to leave a message of support for the Family. We ask for everyone to please keep Andrew and his wonderful family in their thoughts and prayers. All of the boys on his Roadkill team and the entire FC DELCO family will miss him terribly.
God Bless Andrew and his Father (Joe), Mother (Chris) and Sister (and best friend), Ali.
John Hingley
FC DELCO Roadkill Coach
Life Celebration Mass
On Saturday, July 21, well over 1800 of Andrew’s closest friends attended a celebration of his life at Salesianum High School. It was a truly beautiful service with both of Andrew’s parent’s speaking lovingly of their son along with tributes from Father Bill (Principal of Salesianum), Andrew’s best friend, a teacher from his high school and his FC Delco Roadkill coach, John Hingley. It was a fitting service for our Andrew who touched so many people. We all have learned a tremendous amount from Andrew including so many important life lessons....thanks to a 14 year old wonderful boy who left us way too soon.
Obituary for Andrew John McDonough
Our hero, Andrew, went to heaven on July 14, 2007, having won several hard-fought battles over the past six months. He has the “heart of a champion”.
In just 14 short years, Andrew changed the world in so many positive ways. Andrew’s courageous battle was chronicled in newspapers, television, and on his website (www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewmcdonough). He was an inspiration for family, old friends, and new friends who never had the privilege of meeting Andrew. This world has lost one of its brightest stars!
Andrew will be remembered not just for his curly blond hair and his ear-to-ear smile, but for his kindness, fun-loving personality, affectionate nature, and charisma. Many described it as the ‘magic’ of Andrew. Andrew lit up every room that he walked into. He had a special way with everyone he met, old and young.
Andrew was proud to be a ‘straight A’ student at Salesianum School. Andrew excelled at all sports, particularly soccer and baseball. In soccer, he proudly represented the FC Delco Roadkill, as well as his schools – St. Mary Magdalen and Salesianum.
Andrew continues to be loved by his parents, Joe and Chris McDonough, and his best friend and sister, Ali. Andrew will also be missed by his paternal grandmother, Marjorie McDonough, of Wilmington and maternal grandparents Norm and Kay Ricker of West Chester, PA. Also missing Andrew are numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and Andrew’s beloved dog, Casey.
Thank you, Andrew, for being who you are and being that well. We will never forget you. We will always love you!
