Obituary of Martin McDonald

Martin F. McDonald Jr., 81, of Glenville, died peacefully November 11, 2012 with his family by his side. Born on February 16, 1931, he was the second child of Martin and Johanna McDonald of Elmhurst, Queens. Marty attended Ascension School of Elmhurst and graduated from Bishop Loughlin High School in Brooklyn in 1949. As a high school student, he worked several part time jobs in Manhattan to generate a little pocket money, including a stint as an usher at Radio City Music Hall. Following graduation he went to work for Greenpoint Savings Bank in Brooklyn. In 1950, Marty decided to enlist with the United States Navy, which quickly led to him being recruited and nominated to attend the Naval Preparatory School in Bainbridge, MD in 1952. He joined the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD in 1952. The following summer, while on leave from the academy, Marty met the love of his life and future bride, Mary Anne Fitzpatrick, at Rockaway Beach in Queens. For the next year and a half the couple got together for dates whenever possible, and carried on an unrivalled written correspondence between Yonkers and Annapolis. They were married at St. Mary's Church in Annapolis on February 6th, 1955. Martin then joined General Electric Co. in Schenectady. The young couple raised their three wonderful children in Schenectady, as well as Burlington, VT. While working for GE, Martin also received a bachelor of arts from Union College in 1968. Mr. McDonald had an accomplished career as a contract administrator and manager with GE, that spanned over 40 years. He was a member of the Elfun Society. Martin was a parishioner and active member of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Glenville. He was a member of the Ancient Order of the Hibernians. He retired in 1986 but continued to consult as a contract manager for PenPower and Granite Services, Inc. Marty enjoyed sailing and taking his family on summer vacations to Cape Cod and Maine. He enjoyed several vacations overseas with Mary. A lifelong NY Yankees fan, he was fond of taking trips to the Bronx with his family to see the bombers in action at the Stadium, but mostly enjoyed watching the games from the comfort of home in Glenville (provided they were winning). During their retirement, Martin and Mary loved to escape the cold winter months of upstate New York, for Cocoa Beach, Florida. Martin was an avid fisherman, and he always took advantage of the fishing opportunities during their snowbird months. During the summer of 2004, Marty and Mary took the entire family to Ireland for an unforgettable 10-day vacation, that included visits to relatives, touring the beautiful countryside, and stopping for a few pints. Mary Anne Fitzpatrick McDonald passed away on August 27, 2009. Survivors include two sons, Lawrence McDonald of Columbas, GA and Martin F. McDonald III and his wife, Linda of Glenville; and his loving daughter, Diane McDonald Shields and her husband, Bill of St. Petersburg, FL. Martin leaves his sister, Patricia Hellmers of Coram, NY, his cherished grandchildren, Kerry Lockart and her husband, Jeffrey, Patrick Shields and his partner, Kate, Jennifer McDonald and Nicholas McDonald and his partner, Amy; and his beloved great-grandchildren, Erin and William Lockart. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday (November 16) at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Saratoga Rd., Glenville, NY with the Rev. Jerome Gingras officiating. Calling hours will be held Thursday afternoon (Nov. 15) from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd., Glenville. Interment will be at St. Anthony's Cemetery, Glenville. Memorial contributions may be made in Martin McDonald Jr.'s name to the Church of the Immaculate Conception or to the City Mission.