William David McDonald

William David McDonald, 57, of Pascoag, RI, expert mechanic, Arc volunteer and Desert Storm veteran, died Sunday morning, February 26, 2012. He was the loving husband of Robin L. (Marnoch) McDonald, whom he married in 1979.

He also is survived by three loving children, Megan Byers, Justice McDonald and Michael McDonald; and 11 grandchildren.

Mr. McDonald was born November 23, 1954, in Logan County, WV, the only child of the late Donald William and Alberta Marie (Kinser) McDonald. He grew up on Long Island, NY, and lived in Bethel, VT, Alabama, North Carolina and Tennessee before moving to Pascoag.

He was head fleet mechanic for AAA in Providence, where he worked for 20 years before retiring in April because of illness. He also provided vehicle maintenance services as a part-time employee and volunteer for the Arc of Northern Rhode Island and the Arc of Quinebaug Valley.

A 22-year veteran of the Rhode Island Army National Guard, Mr. McDonald served in Kuwait in Operation Desert Storm and was activated during several state emergencies. He retired from the 119th MP Company as a mechanic in 2001 with the rank of sergeant first class. He earned the National Defense Service medal, Marksman award and Army Reserve Component Achievement award with oak leaf cluster, and the Army Service and Overseas Service ribbons.

Friends and family remember his generosity with his time and skills, his ready smile and sense of humor, and his accomplished musicianship, especially on guitar. He worked to improve the lives of people living with challenges and was recognized in 2007 by the Arc of Quinebaug Valley of Danielson, CT, for his services. He was a foster parent with Casey Family Services, formerly of Woonsocket, and a volunteer for the North Scituate Rotary Club at the annual Scituate Art Festival.