John "Jack" Thomas McDonagh IV

John Thomas McDonagh, IV was the first child born to Edith Ann McKeever and the late John Thomas McDonagh III, in Sewickley PA, on May 2nd 1954. Jack, as he was known to most, passed somewhat suddenly after a brief hospital stay on Tue Jan 13th 2026.

Jack spent his early years in Sewickley, surrounded by the large, extended family that comes hand-and-hand with being Irish-Catholic in Pittsburgh PA. On this foundation, Jack built a life that included a deep, residing love and commitment to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Catholic Church, golfing, bourbon and equal parts passionately protecting / tormenting his four younger siblings. Patrick and Matthew McDonagh both precede Jack in death; he’s survived by his next youngest brother Barry McDonagh (Myra), and sister Casey Braddock (Bob).

Soon after entering primary school, The Westinghouse Company sent John McDonagh III (“Big Jack” as he was known around the house), on the 1st of many moves ‘down south.’ Hampton and Summerville SC, Atlanta GA and Elizabeth City NC were all “home” to the McDonagh family throughout the 1960s and 70s. In Summerville SC, Jack discovered his love of surfing, getting his 1st surfboard at the age of 13. He was an avid surfer into early adulthood, but during his time in Elizabeth City, it became a main focus and he spent as much time on the NC Outer Banks surfing as possible. When he wasn’t on a board, he was traveling around with his buddies showing surf movies, looking for waves & studying at the College of the Albemarle – where he made Dean’s list and subsequently transferring to UNC-Wilmington. Here, he graduated with a BA in English Literature (and, yes, he was always willing to edit a paper or a letter for his opinionated daughter who, at times, felt he should stay focused on the grammar, not the content).

At UNC-W, Jack met Meredith Moore; they married soon after graduation and headed off to spend a year in Ireland where Jack fulfilled a dream of staying in college one more year and immersing himself in Irish culture. Living outside of Dublin, studying Anglo-Irish Literature at Trinity College and truly getting to know some of his Irish family was a highlight of Jack’s life. Nearly 50 years later, he’s still in touch with several of his cousins.

Returning to Wilmington in 1980, Jack soon began a 20-year career at The American Red Cross. On Feb 19th 1982, Jack & Meredith welcomed their 1st and only child, Kathleen (Kate) McDonagh into the world. In 1989, Jack’s work with The American Red Cross influenced the family to move to Charlotte NC where he put down roots & stayed for the next 20+ years.

While in Charlotte, Jack made a lot of friends through the Red Cross, as well as a little place on South Blvd, known as Belle Acres. If you know, you know. He was involved in his church, Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, The Optimist Club and the United Way, getting his daughter involved with civic responsibility and the value of cultivating community relationships at a young age. He golfed and coached Kate’s softball teams, loved swimming, watching football & anything involving people – especially if it included a good story and a cold beer.

Jack moved to Asheville NC in 2011, joining most of his immediate relatives & their families who’d been living there for decades. From the day his 1st grandchild, Jack ‘the younger’ was born (Nov 8, 2008), “Big Jack” was delighted to be Pap Pap. Just a few years later, Jane was born and doubled the joy. Jack was a proud grandfather who truly loved to play with his grand kids, taking great joy in watching them grow into young adults. In the last year, he took on the lion’s share of teaching Young Jack to drive, often to and from Mass at St. Lawrence on Saturday afternoons, stopping for a burger on the way home. Jack was loved dearly and will be missed.

He is survived by his mother, Edith; his brother, Barry McDonagh (wife, Myra); his sister, Casey Braddock (husband, Bob); his daughter, Kate Sonoskus (husband, Brian) and two grandchildren, Jack & Jane Sonoskus.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 5:30 PM on Tuesday, January 27, 2025 at the Basilica of St. Lawrence, D.M. with the Reverend Monsignor Roger Arnsparger officiating. His family will greet friends from 2:00 until 4:00 PM on Tuesday, January 27 at Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian location on Long Shoals Road in Arden. A private inurnment will be held at Calvary Churchyard. His family plans an additional Memorial Service / Celebration Of Life later in 2026, please find more information about that event here: Jack McDonagh Celebration Info