Robert Samuel McDonald

He was the son of Robert McDonald and Agnes McDonald (Christie) and brother to the late Alan McDonald, Wayne McDonald and Mark McDonald. He is survived by his wife, Lori McLaughlin, his children Gemma McDonald Taylor (Mark) Jonathan McDonald, three granddaughters, Gianna, Lucia and Evangeline, his sister, Janice Potts (Jim), sisters-in-law Christine Kleppe and Julia McDonald, and many nieces and nephews. Robert is also survived by his long-time friend and “Uncle” to the family, Father John Joseph Novielli.

Robert was born in South Philadelphia and grew up in Springfield, Delaware County, PA. He graduated high school from Archmere Academy in Claymont, Delaware, obtained his undergraduate degree from Villanova University, and Master’s degree in Social Work from Temple University. Years later he earned a certificate in Spiritual Direction from Neumann University. Robert was committed to his spiritual relationship with God throughout his life. Robert spent 5 years as a novice with the Norbertine Catholic community in Paoli, PA. After leaving the community, he worked in child welfare where he handled some of the most difficult child abuse cases. He transitioned into teaching religion and guidance counseling for 25 years at Archmere Academy. Believing in the importance of educating students about the poor and needy, he started the Community Service Program at Archmere where he took students around Philadelphia and throughout Delaware to provide service to disadvantaged communities. Outside of work, Robert was passionate about building his family home and personal retreat in Chester County. In doing so, he worked alongside his parents, brothers, sister and members of the Amish community. His commitment to the environment and love of nature were the hallmarks of his intentional life in Honey Brook, PA. After retiring from Archmere Academy, Robert continued his work as a Spiritual Director through the Stephen Ministry at Daylesford Abbey and volunteered with Good Works, Inc., a non-profit organization. Additionally, Robert played tennis and pickleball creating great friendships across the community. He was fondly referred to by his tennis friends as the “net guy”.

Robert’s grace, patience, and sense of humor carried his family and friends through to the end.

A celebration of Robert’s life will be held at Daylesford Abbey, 220 S. Valley Road, Paoli, PA 19301, on Saturday, February 11, 2023. Visitation will start at 11 am followed by a memorial mass at 12 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Robert’s memory to Daylesford Abbey, 220 S. Valley Road, Paoli, PA, daylesford.org or the Multiple System Atrophy Coalition, support.multiplesystematrophy.org

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AllevaFuneralHome.com for the McDonald family.