Edward Francis McGonagle Jr.

Edward Francis McGonagle, 88, of Arlington, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 26, 2026, while under the loving care of his wife, children, long-time aide Amy, and Capital Caring Hospice team. He was fortunate to spend his last years at his home, where he lived for 50 years.

He is survived by his wife, Betty; children, Kerry McGonagle Clark, Grady McGonagle, Maureen McGonagle, and stepson, Collin Anday; grandchildren, Ella and Aedan Anday, and Kieran Clark; sister, Jane McGonagle Kenney, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings Sally and John McGonagle, who were also key figures in his life.

Ed grew up in Belmont, Massachusetts, one of four siblings in a quintessential Irish American family. Until his illness, he was a gifted athlete, with ice hockey being his lifelong passion. Childhood summers were spent with the family at Grand Beach near Portland, ME, and Maine remained a special place for him all of his life.

Ed attended Belmont Hill Prep School near Boston, and Yale University for undergrad, where he held many hockey records. Ed’s high school hockey coach, who referred to him as the “little dynamo,” was quoted in a local newspaper. “He’s a beautiful playmaker and he’s so shifty that no one ever hits him with a good body check. He’s such an outstanding skater… He’ll be the great hockey player in New England if nothing happens to him.” His talent continued through his years at Yale, as captain of the hockey team and named All-Ivy at Yale during two of his years there. After college he played for the Washington Chiefs (precursor to the Caps), and later was a regional USA Hockey leader and became a youth hockey coach, including for his two sons’ teams. In later life, he played for the GeriHatricks, a senior hockey group, which took him to the Senior Olympics even into his 80s. His children and their friends have fond skating memories with him leading the way – Saturdays at Fort Dupont, on Lake Barcroft after a rare freeze, and even on our neighborhood tennis court during an ice storm in the early nineties. Ed’s other passions included playing the trumpet, history, politics and current events.

After college he spent three years in the Navy, and later the Navy Reserve, much of that time in South Korea, which left a lasting impression and motivated him to pursue a master’s degree in East Asian History from Georgetown University. He wrote his master’s thesis on the Vietnam War. He was a Federal employee with the Navy Department for 35 years before retiring. He thoroughly enjoyed his retirement job as a neighborhood dog walker, where he would joke that his “clients” were always thrilled to see him. He was able to deepen his role as a beloved neighbor and friend on these daily walks.

Ed’s lasting legacy is his character. He was the embodiment of humility and grace. He had the kindest of hearts. He was an advocate for social justice and instilled those values in his children. He believed deeply in staying informed and was found each morning at the dining room table reading the Washington Post cover to cover. He made sure that his children always knew what was happening in the world and that they appreciated all of their blessings. He had the gift of Irish wit, and used it in quick and funny quips that made his wife laugh every day. His humor and wit were eff ortless. He was modest, strong and stoic, played fair, and always sought to improve himself. His world view was progressive and universal. He loved music, particularly jazz and trumpet music, dancing, jokes, and food, especially sweets. Road trips with the family always included him sneaking Little Debbies from under the driver’s seat and somehow playing his travel trumpet while driving. Ed was a devoted and loving husband, father, and friend.

He died as he lived—humbly, stoically, without complaint. His spirit was strong until the end, even as his body and mind declined. Ed will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his family, friends, and all those fortunate enough to know him.

An Irish wake will be held in August, with toasts, celebration of his good life, and stories of remembrance recounted.
In Ed’s honor, please feel free to donate to the GoFundMe below. Ed’s loyal and loving home health aide, Amy, took wonderful care of him during his last two years. She is in this country on asylum and is here without family. It is Amy’s wish to become a registered nurse and, as part of Ed’s legacy, we would like to help support her in this goal to go to nursing school.

GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/bd80e7215