David Andrew McDonough
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McDonough Date of Birth: 5/19/1929 Date of Death: 3/16/2021 Place of Birth: Plainfield, NJ Place of Death: Randolph Center, VT David Andrew McDonough. Born 19 May 1929, Plainfield, N.J. David passed away
peacefully on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at his home in Randolph Center, Vermont. His
parents were Andrew Vincent McDonough and Virginia Rae Rogers McDonough.
David was raised by Andrew and (stepmother) Alletta M. Van Zant Case McDonough.
David attended Plainfield High School, Plainfield, New Jersey; Dartmouth College (BA-
Government 1951), George Washington University (MS International Affairs 1973)
National War College (Political/Military Studies 1972-73) and the University of Maryland
(Agricultural Studies, 1982-83). David served in the US Marine Corps, with rank of
Captain, 1951-53. Wounded while deployed in Korea; he was the recipient of the
Purple Heart. After his Marine Corps service, David worked for Proctor & Gamble as a
Sales Consultant. He then joined the Foreign Service within the U. S. Department of
State,1956-82. He served in U.S. Embassies at Athens, Greece; Paris, France; and the
African embassies of Brazzaville, Lome, Algiers and Rabat. He also served as a
Political Consultant in Morocco, Cameroun, Guinea, Mozambique, Lebanon and Haiti,
1982-.88
Upon retirement from the U.S. Government, David chose a new career in agriculture.
Vermont was the perfect location to pursue his interest. Sheep farmer, grazier, maple
sugar maker in Brookfield, VT (1983-2000), he converted a fallow dairy farm to a sheep
operation using intensive pasture management and organic methodology. David
worked as a core team member of a sustainable agriculture initiative to expand the
sheep industry in Vermont through production methods, alternative marketing and
cooperative education. He lectured at the UVM Extension System for sustainable
agriculture and intensive pasture management in 1993. As Chair of the Current Use
Tax Coalition, 1992-96, he achieved the return of land use value appraisal to an active
policy, 1992-96. David participated in the "167 Working Group" legislative sub-
committee to develop water quality standards, Accepted Agricultural Practices, and
Best Management Practices in Vermont. As Director and ultimately President of
the Vermont Sheep Breeders Association, he created and supervised the first three
Vermont Sheep and Wool Festivals, 1988-91. Additionally, he served as Director of the
Orange County Vermont Sugar Makers Association 1990-95.
A natural partner to raising sheep and dairy cows and keeping them safe, are guard
dogs--border collies and the Italian Maremma sheep dogs. And as David always
sought to improve all aspects of farming, he then included the breeding and training
guard dogs. He traveled to Sheffield, UK, and returned with Fleet and Finn, border
collies, who would soon breed enough guard dogs to share with shepherds and dairy
farmers in the area. Not long after, the Italian Maremma sheep dog came into his farm
life. Once again he bred, trained, and shared a fine breed of guard dogs in Vermont.
An avid supporter of the career advancement of young men and women, agriculture
became a new avenue for David to further his assistance to Vermont's youth. David's
encouragement of the Vermont Farm Youth Corps earned him the "Vermont Farmer of
the Year" award in 1993. He also assisted in organizing the Vermont School to Work
program from 1990-95. David participated in the Orange County Court Diversion
Program, 1986-95, a special program for community youth which was dear to his
heart. His life-long interest in promoting international cooperation led him to support
and advise the Vermont Chapter of American Field Service Student Exchange
Program, 1983-86.
Community minded, David gave special support to the Gifford Medical Center,
including serving on the Advisory Council, and the Strategic Planning Committee of the
Board of Trustees, 1996-98. His interest in orderly and responsible development in his
town prompted him to work with the Brookfield Planning Commission, 1986-89.
The grand finale for this Irishman was to live his Italian dream: David and and his wife,
Linda, bought property in Tuscany, Italy -- an adventure of all adventures. Being a part
of Italian life and culture was beyond any dream for him--new friends, new cuisine, new
sights and sounds. In addition to his children, many of his Vermont "Family" were
hosted by him and Linda in their Italian mountain home. It was a grand gift of life and
love that David shared with all who knew him. Wherever he lived, the door was always
open. David will be greatly missed, but he will always be smiling down on all of us as
we recall that delicious dish he prepared, especially his famous "New Year's Day
Cassoulet", or that special glass of wine he offered.
David is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Linda. His children from a previous
marriage: Kevin (Susan); grandsons Dylan and Christopher (Joanna) and great-
granddaughter, Lucy; daughters Alison Stafford and Claudia Moore (Michael); sisters
Virginia Rae Davis of Ontario, Canada (predeceased) and Patricia Reed of Elgin, Il.
There will be no service at the present time due to the pandemic. A memorial service
to celebrate David's life will be arranged at a later date at the convenience of the
family.
In lieu of flowers, donations to your favorite charity in David's memory will be greatly
appreciated. The Day Funeral Home in Randolph, VT is assisting the family with arrangements.