Bruce B. McDonough

Lt Colonel (ret) Bruce Berry McDonough, 90, of Frederick Maryland, passed away in December 2025, leaving a legacy of devoted service to his country and deep love for his family.

Born in Fall River Massachusetts, to Richard Phillips McDonough and Kathleen Mylert Berry, Bruce spent his childhood in New Hampshire, among his beloved family which included life-long friendships with his cousins and little brother Phillip. He graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1952. He was admitted to the US Military Academy at West Point in 1953 where he belonged to company H-1 and earned the nickname Beebe. In his time at West Point he was notable in his achievements in weight lifting, golf, soccer, Spanish, swimming and scuba diving. He graduated in 1957 and received his Commission to the US Army, serving in Europe, Vietnam and the US, retiring in 1978 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

During his career Bruce returned to West Point as a member of the Master of the Sword. His tenure included time coaching cadets in swimming and the lifesaving required of cadets. His love and talent for swimming trickled down, leading his daughter and grandchildren to embrace swimming as their sport of choice.

During his time in Europe as a post commander, he was warmly accepted into the local German community and acted as an ambassador for goodwill between the U.S.military and local German leadership.

His distinguished career included Airborne, Ranger, and Special Forces qualifications, combat infantry service, and multiple decorations for valor and merit, including the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. His mastery of 5 foreign languages supported his work from attache to post commander.

Following his military service, he moved with his family to Michigan and enjoyed a second career with Burroughs/UNISYS Corporation from 1978 until his retirement in 2000.

Bruce was preceded in death by Christa Louise McDonough, his first wife and the mother of his daughter Kirsten. He is survived by his wife, Aurora Nicoletti McDonough; his daughter, Kirsten McDonough Edler; four grandchildren, Nicholas Edler, Hannah Edler Glewwe, Isabella Edler, and Ian Edler; and five cherished great‑grandchildren.

He was proud of earning the rank of Eagle Scout and was active in Scouting’s Order of the Arrow and Ad Altare Dei, values he carried into his roles as husband, father, and grandfather.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bruce was an avid bridge player, achieving Silver Life Master status in 2010, a milestone reflecting many years of competitive play and dedication to the game.
He also enjoyed reading and swimming, and was known for his sharp mind, quiet humor, and steadfast integrity.

The Edler and Nicoletti family will hold a celebration of Bruce’s life in the spring, where stories of his service, kindness, and leadership will be shared. He will be laid to rest with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery, a fitting tribute to a loyal soldier and patriot whose life was marked by duty, faithfulness, and love.