Richard J. "Red" McDonald

Richard J. McDonald passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness at his home in Salisbury, MA on October 5th, 2022. Red McDonald was the kindest and most gentle man who always had a smile and a helpful hand for anyone who knew him. Red was an amazing person who was guided by his strong faith in God. He had unconditional love for all of his family and friends. His heart always belonged to his alma mater Central Catholic High School where he enjoyed attending the games with his friends and former high school classmates. He went into the Marines after high school and later became a MA State trooper, retiring as a Lieutenant. He graduated from Northeastern University and went to school nights to earn a masters degree from Boston University while raising two boys, coaching their teams and mentoring countless others. After his retirement from the MA State Police he went on to work in security for Baybank. Red belonged to the Former MA State Troopers Association and was a former member of the Lawrence Elks. He was a proud member of the ancient order of the Hibernians and a recipient of the AOH Irishman of the year in 2009. He loved living at Salisbury Beach and spending his winters with wife Sheila and his many friends in Clearwater Beach. Red was the beloved and devoted husband of Sheila McDonald. They were married for 58 wonderful years. Predeceased by his mother, father, stepmother and brother Lawrence McDonald and mother in law, father in law and brother in law. Cherished father of sons Kevin (and wife Lauren) of North Andover and Scott of San Diego. Most of all he loved and enjoyed his treasured grandchildren, Sean and Kayleigh McDonald and Joey, Jenna (Brems) and Daniel O’Connell. He never missed a chance to attend their games and events. Being a grandfather was one of his greatest joys. Relatives and Friends are cordially invited to call on Sunday, October 9th, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 122 Amesbury Street, Lawrence, MA. His funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, October 10th, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. in Saint Michaels Church, 196 Main Street, No. Andover, MA. Burial will take place at a later date. For online condolences and other information please visit us at www.breenfuneralhome.com. While are hearts are aching, his strength and courage will live on with each and everyone of us. In lieu of flowers, the family recommends a donation to a scholarship in Red McDonald’s name at Central Catholic High School Office of Institutional Advancement, 300 Hampshire Street, Lawrence, MA or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis Tennessee.

Richard J. "Red" McDonald

August 31, 1940 - October 5, 2022