Joseph Jerome McDonald

Joseph Jerome McDonald, 98, formerly of Niagara Falls, NY passed away on Friday, September 6, 2019 at John Adams Nursing Home Facility in Quincy, MA. Joe was born, raised and lived for 90 years in Niagara Falls.  He was the son of the late Joseph Alphonsus and Rose [McCaffrey] McDonald. 

Joe grew up on 3rd and 10th streets in the Falls. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and Niagara Falls High School. In 1942, from Niagara University, he received a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting where he graduated summa cum laude – first in class. And, in 1987, he received an M.B.A. from Niagara University. He served in the Finance Department of the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1942 through 1945. After returning from the Army, he and his late sister Margaret C. McDonald jointly ran McDonald Fuel Company, a coal and fuel oil company that served Niagara Falls for several generations. After the close of the coal yard, he received a C.P.A. license in 1965 then practiced with Julian O’Connor. He joined Hooker Chemical and Plastics (Occidental Chemical Corporation) as a tax accountant where he served in roles of increasing responsibility in the area of taxation until his retirement in 1991 after 26 years of service.

In 1959, he married his beloved wife of 41 years, Margaret [Garrow] McDonald, until her passing in 2001.

Joe was active in numerous local organizations and recognized for his service. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus as a fourth degree Knight. He served for many years as a Rotarian in Niagara Falls and was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship in 1996 for contribution to humanitarian and educational programs. He volunteered time to the OxyChem Niagara Retiree’s Club, and for most of his time as a St. Teresa parishioner, served as a Eucharistic Minister to the church.

Joe is survived by his son, Dr. Joseph John McDonald, his son’s wife Barbara, and their three children, Joseph Robert, Katherine Mary, and Shannon Marie. He is also survived by various nieces and nephews including Walter Garrow, his wife Sharon, and their children Dr. Kendra ( Ray) Gelineau, Ryan (Elaine) Garrow, and Justin Garrow.

Visitation will be on Friday, September 27 from 3-7 p.m. at the RHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 1124 Ontario Avenue, NIAGARA FALLS, NY, where funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 28 at 9:30 AM, followed by a  Mass of Christian Burial at  10:00 AM at St. Raphael  Parish, 3831 Macklem Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY, with Rev. Ivan Skenderovic officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to Rotary Club International at https://www.rotary.org/en/donate.

Entombment with Military Honors in  Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY.

Visit www.rhoneyfuneralhome.com, for guest register.

 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph Jerome McDonald, please visit our floral store.