Obituary for John McDonald
John Arthur McDonald Sr., 85, of Barkhamsted died peacefully on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at Valerie Manor in Torrington, CT. He was born May 31, 1936 in Winsted, CT and resided in Barkamsted his entire life. He is survived by a son, John A. McDonald Jr. and his partner Eunice Johnson of Barkhamsted, and daughters and sons-in-laws Celeste and Jonathan Chip “Doc” Wilson of East Granby, Celine and Ryan “Weasel” Hines of Kensington and Tara and Craig “Greg” Robbins of Canton. John loved nothing more than spending time with his grandchildren; Karlene, John III, Jonathan, Ryan, Jacob, Julia, Brooke and Emily; as well as his grand dogs Marley, Bailey, Willow and Sox. John is also survived by his many siblings. He was especially close with brothers Butch and Lester McDonald and Larry Wainman. John also dearly loved “Neighbor” Rick and Denise Melanson, who became a big part of the McDonald Family. John is predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Pauline McDonald, two daughters, Mary and Robin McDonald, a son, Matthew McDonald and a granddaughter, Samantha McDonald. After John raised his own children, he became a father once again by adopting and raising his three grandchildren, Celine, Tara, & Matthew, who only know him as “Dad”.
John retired from the Town of Barkhamsted after more than 30 years of faithful service. He loved plowing the streets of Barkhamsted and the many treats he received from the residents along his routes. After his retirement, he enjoyed critiquing his predecessor’s work. He was proud to have the Town of Barkhamsted acknowledge his many years of dedicated public service by proclaiming July 4, 2002 as “John McDonald Day”. Prior to working for the Town of Barkhamsted, John worked for Martel Development and H&B Well Drilling where he met many lifelong friends. He was also a longtime member of the Barkhamsted East Fire Department, where he coerced three of his children to later join, John Jr., Celeste and Tara.
One of John’s greatest qualities was the ability to see the good in everyone he met, and everyone became his friend. A special thank you to the nurses and staff at Valerie Manor and Athena Hospice who cared for John over the last few months as well as Charles and John from Companions and Homemakers.
Services will be held on Saturday, January 22nd at the Vincent Funeral Home, 120 Albany Turnpike in Canton. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM with visitation following until 3:00 PM. Mask will be required at services.
John retired from the Town of Barkhamsted after more than 30 years of faithful service. He loved plowing the streets of Barkhamsted and the many treats he received from the residents along his routes. After his retirement, he enjoyed critiquing his predecessor’s work. He was proud to have the Town of Barkhamsted acknowledge his many years of dedicated public service by proclaiming July 4, 2002 as “John McDonald Day”. Prior to working for the Town of Barkhamsted, John worked for Martel Development and H&B Well Drilling where he met many lifelong friends. He was also a longtime member of the Barkhamsted East Fire Department, where he coerced three of his children to later join, John Jr., Celeste and Tara.
One of John’s greatest qualities was the ability to see the good in everyone he met, and everyone became his friend. A special thank you to the nurses and staff at Valerie Manor and Athena Hospice who cared for John over the last few months as well as Charles and John from Companions and Homemakers.
Services will be held on Saturday, January 22nd at the Vincent Funeral Home, 120 Albany Turnpike in Canton. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM with visitation following until 3:00 PM. Mask will be required at services.