Obituary for Robert Francis McDonald Sr.
Newton Fire Department Lieutenant Robert Francis McDonald, Sr., (Ret.)
Of West Newton, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family, Thursday morning, April 23, 2020. He was 93.
The son of the late Francis L. and Lillian S. (Cain) McDonald, he was born, raised and educated in Newton where he was a lifelong resident.
Mr. McDonald retired in 1990 from the Fire Department of the City of Newton as Lieutenant. Appointed a firefighter with the City in 1950 he served on Engine 2 in West Newton and Engine 6 in Newton Centre. 1979 he was promoted to Lieutenant then serving on Engine 9 Chestnut Hill and retiring from Engine 4 in Newtonville.
A veteran of WW II he served as a Technician Fourth Grade with the 341st Ordnance Depot Company. Mr. McDonald had received a Meritorious Service Unit Plaque, an Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Army of Occupation Medal and WW II Victory Medal.
A devout Catholic, he and his late wife were active members of Saint Bernard's Parish in West Newton. He and his wife could often be found ballroom dancing at Mosley’s on the Charles. Mr. McDonald cherished time spent with his family. He was an avid golfer who enjoyed gardening. A fan of our local Boston sports teams, he also enjoyed cheering for Boston College and was a fixture at Waltham High School Football games.
Mr. McDonald was predeceased by his beloved wife Alice Catherine (Gallagher) McDonald in 2014.
He is survived by his devoted children Robert F. McDonald, Jr. and his wife Judy (Quinlan) of Milford, Paul McDonald and his wife Elizabeth (McNamara) of Norwood, Michael McDonald and his wife Gail (Ellis) of Newton, William McDonald and his wife Toni (Whitson) of Newton, and Daniel McDonald and his wife Marina (Pavlotsky) of Walpole, his cherished grandchildren Victoria, Amanda, Caroline, McCala, Erin, Emily, Grace, Abigail, Madeleine, and Caden. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and extended family.
He was the brother of the late Nancy Schinnick and Dorothy Lahey.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend graveside committal services with Military Honors on Tuesday, April 28th at 12:00pm at the Calvary Cemetery, 250 High Street, Waltham. For the safety of those they love and care so much for a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of Robert’s life will be held at Saint Bernard’s Church when social distancing guidelines allow.
For those who wish memorial contributions maybe made to Saint Bernard’s Parish, 1523 Washington Street, West Newton, MA 02465.
Of West Newton, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family, Thursday morning, April 23, 2020. He was 93.
The son of the late Francis L. and Lillian S. (Cain) McDonald, he was born, raised and educated in Newton where he was a lifelong resident.
Mr. McDonald retired in 1990 from the Fire Department of the City of Newton as Lieutenant. Appointed a firefighter with the City in 1950 he served on Engine 2 in West Newton and Engine 6 in Newton Centre. 1979 he was promoted to Lieutenant then serving on Engine 9 Chestnut Hill and retiring from Engine 4 in Newtonville.
A veteran of WW II he served as a Technician Fourth Grade with the 341st Ordnance Depot Company. Mr. McDonald had received a Meritorious Service Unit Plaque, an Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Army of Occupation Medal and WW II Victory Medal.
A devout Catholic, he and his late wife were active members of Saint Bernard's Parish in West Newton. He and his wife could often be found ballroom dancing at Mosley’s on the Charles. Mr. McDonald cherished time spent with his family. He was an avid golfer who enjoyed gardening. A fan of our local Boston sports teams, he also enjoyed cheering for Boston College and was a fixture at Waltham High School Football games.
Mr. McDonald was predeceased by his beloved wife Alice Catherine (Gallagher) McDonald in 2014.
He is survived by his devoted children Robert F. McDonald, Jr. and his wife Judy (Quinlan) of Milford, Paul McDonald and his wife Elizabeth (McNamara) of Norwood, Michael McDonald and his wife Gail (Ellis) of Newton, William McDonald and his wife Toni (Whitson) of Newton, and Daniel McDonald and his wife Marina (Pavlotsky) of Walpole, his cherished grandchildren Victoria, Amanda, Caroline, McCala, Erin, Emily, Grace, Abigail, Madeleine, and Caden. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and extended family.
He was the brother of the late Nancy Schinnick and Dorothy Lahey.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend graveside committal services with Military Honors on Tuesday, April 28th at 12:00pm at the Calvary Cemetery, 250 High Street, Waltham. For the safety of those they love and care so much for a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of Robert’s life will be held at Saint Bernard’s Church when social distancing guidelines allow.
For those who wish memorial contributions maybe made to Saint Bernard’s Parish, 1523 Washington Street, West Newton, MA 02465.