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Born in Newton, McDonough lived in Sparta throughout his life and attended the Clifton E. Lawrence School in Wantage for 11 years, participating in a program for students with disabilities, his obituary says.
McDonough later attended Livingston’s Horizon High School, which also helps students with special needs, and graduated in 2013.
“He listened to the voices of all those around him and smiled or laughed when he heard happy chatter,” his memorial says.
McDonough also attended a day program at SCARC Sparta Center before moving to a medical group home in West Caldwell and day program in Livingston.
He later was transferred to St. Barnabas Medical Center to the Homestead Rehab under hospice care with Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, where his health improved before he was diagnosed and “miraculously survived” a tough battle with COVID-19.
“His fighting spirit and will to live was extraordinary,” reads his memorial.
McDonough was known for sharing his passion not through speech but through his deep blue eyes and “special vocalizations.”
“He inspired others through his courage and strength in a weakened, fragile body,” his obituary says. “Collin drew everyone into his world to witness the purity of his soul and the strength of his heart. He changed all who knew him in some way and brought out the best in all of us.”
McDonough’s visitation will be held Thursday at Goble Funeral Home on Main Street in Sparta.
Donations can be made in McDonough’s memory to SCARC Guardianship Services, Inc. (11 US Route 206, Suite 100, Augusta, NJ 07822).
“He was an earth-bound angel who has gone home to heaven,” his memorial says.
Click here for the full obituary of Collin James McDonough.
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