SOUTH PORTLAND – Sean Kevin McDonough, 64, of South Portland, passed away on May 25, 2023. He was born on Dec. 21, 1958 in Iowa City, Iowa to the late Donovan K. McDonough (deceased, 2002) and Beverly J. McDonough (nee Higgins) (2001). In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings, Padraic C. McDonough (1988), Dierdre K. McDonough (1988), and Siobhan Ia Mayer (2021).

Sean was a graduate of Essex Junction Educational Center. In his professional life he worked as a finish carpenter in the Portland area. He had a gift for working with wood and also created many beautiful artistic pieces. He was also a multi-talented handyman and there was little that Sean couldn’t do or fix.

Sean loved to sail, tend his garden and was an excellent cook – his lobster/steak barbeques were second to none. He had a wry sense of humor and loved to tell jokes. He was a generous man who always stopped to offer aid to any homeless person, even giving the coat off his back. He took on the role of caregiver for his partner Karen until he was no longer physically able to do so.

Sean had the hands of a carpenter, the soul of an artist and a big heart. He will be missed and remembered by many, especially when listening to his favorite song “Street of Dreams”.

Sean is survived by his partner of over 30 years, Karen Sparling; his three children, Keagan I. McDonough, Kasey McBlais, and Maureen Blanchard; and his four grandchildren, Cormac, Rosalind, Remington, and Fiona. He also leaves behind four siblings, Terry Nugent of Nashville, Tenn., Kelly B. McDonough of Yorkville, Ill., Seamus B. McDonough of Oneida, NY, and Conan M. McDonough of South Royalton, Vt., along with a battalion of nieces and nephews.

There will be a celebration of life later this summer when we can all be outdoors together.

In lieu of flowers,

memorial contributions in Sean’s name may be made to:

Habitat for Humanity

659 Warren Ave, Suite A

Portland, ME 04103 or:

Preble Street homeless shelter at https://www.preblestreet.org