Richard J. McDonald, 88, a 50 year resident of Nevada, passed away on September 9, 2020 peacefully in the comfort of his home surrounded by family and his pet beagle Snoopy at his side as this was his request. He died as he lived; on his own terms.
Richard was born on February 27, 1932 in Philadelphia, PA to Robert and Katie McDonald (Traynor).He graduated from The Northeast Catholic High School for Boys in 1952 and served in the US Army from 1952 to 1955. He worked as a field engineer for Burroughs Corporation from 1956 until 1994. He loved his worked, was well liked by his co-workers and never called in sick. During the early years, his job required him to move frequently, sometimes every three months. He eventually landed in New Milford, Connecticut for many years and was then transferred to Las Vegas, Nevada where he would call home for the next 50 years. He was still an East Coast boy at heart and missed the shore and a good Philly Cheesesteak.
Richard met his soulmate and partner for life at the American Legion Club in St. Albans, Vermont. He married Joyce Gloria Boivin on February 17, 1958 in Bellefonte, Ohio and had been married for 62 years. Stories vary on how they got together but I believe the one where he walked through a Vermont snow blizzard to keep his date with her. They had three children, Catherine Lynn McDonald, Richard John McDonald Jr., and Joseph Francis McDonald.
Some of his fondest earliest memories included family vacations to Wildwood, New Jersey at the beach and boardwalk, spending time at Candlewood Lake in Connecticut, Sunday afternoon drives in the family station wagon , attending band concerts and fishing with the boys. Later on, he would attend his grandson's hockey games and even traveled with the team occasionally. He was always excited to be invited to his grandkid's basketball game, soccer game or school plays. He was a big supporter of his granddaughter's dance activities and once retired took her to dance class and attended every dance recital since she was three years old and later traveled to New York City to watch her performances when she went away for college. Richard shared the love of theatre, music and dance with his daughter and together they attended concerts, theatre and danced together. Even in his 80's, Richard could really cut a rug. He additionally enjoyed golfing with his sons or taking in a professional baseball game. Richard was a devoted Phillies fan. One of his last and favorites trips was Irish Weekend at the Shore in Wildwood, New Jersey joined by most of the family; a weekend surrounded by his Irish heritage, singing in bars, sitting on the shore ending in a grand parade. Dad loved a great parade.
Richard and Joyce kept busy and enjoyed years of cowboy line dancing, attending lounge acts, adventures on 17 cruises, 2 trips to Ireland and a family trip to Hawaii. Richard and Joyce were on a mixed bowling league for several years. Richard was on a men's bowling league for ten years and he golfed 3 times a week for almost 45 years. Some worried that he would get bored after retirement but he kept actively engaged in sports activities, travel, dance and any activity involving family. He was an active participant in life.
His love and devotion to his beloved wife was unparrell to none. He never lost sight of the true value of their marital bond and created a relationship that stood the test of time. "True love isn't Romeo and Juliet who died together. It's Grandma and Grandpa who grew old together."(author unknown). He truly honored his commitment to "in sickness and in health" in caring for his wife with great patience, kindness, dignity and love. We were all blessed to witness true love and commitment. He was a great example to all of us how a great Irishman gentleman, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather should act. He valued family and loved a family get together and held family traditions in high esteem. Richard was extremely proud of his family. He was our protector, hero, handyman, mentor, friend, voice of reason, and outstanding father. As Irish luck would have it, we were were blessed with the best. He was a fighter, constantly showing his spirit of perseverance and love of life and teaching us to approach life with energy and optimism. He was a shining example of a good man, a good person and not just when people were watching.
Richard was proceeded in death by his loving wife, Joyce McDonald, his parents, Robert and Katie McDonald and his sister Mary McDonald-Anstotz (Bob).
Richard is survived by his children, Catherine McDonald, Richard J. McDonald, Jr., (Lilly) and Joseph Francis McDonald, grandchildren, Cameron Goodall, Tiana Salvas-Fridley (Bill), Shawn Fridley, Courtney McDonald (Ian), Bryan McDonald, Megan Fier (Jared), William McDonald, Chloe McDonald and great grandchildren, Stella Goodall, Greyson Goodall and Harrison Salvas. He is also survived by his niece Mary Anstotz-Spinelli (Mike) and great-niece Mara Spinelli and great-nephew Eric Spinelli.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmsouthjones.com for the McDonald family.
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