Robert Joseph McDonald, Sr.

Robert Joseph McDonald, Sr.

Robert J. McDonald, Sr. of a long-time resident of Malden passed away on Wednesday, October 31, 2012 in the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, he was 82. Born on May 6, 1930 in Chelsea, he was the loving son of the late Eva (McDonald) Cyr. Robert was raised and educated in East Boston. Like many brave men in those days, Robert left school early to enlist in the U.S. Navy to help fight for our country during the Korean War. He entered into active duty on May 13, 1947 at the age of 17. He proudly served aboard the U.S.S. Navasota until his honorable discharge on April 2, 1952. During his service time, Robert was awarded the China Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the Navy Occupation Medal as well as the United Nations Service Medal.

Upon returning home, Robert married his sweetheart, Frances T. Carroll in East Boston. The couple lived briefly in both East Boston and Everett before moving their growing family to their home in Malden. Robert and Frances spent over 50 years in marriage together, raising and caring for their family, until Frances' passing in December of 2004. Robert worked right after his military service with the Latouraine Coffee Company. He worked many years until he retired as the company's shop steward in the early 1990's to enjoy his retirement. Robert was an avid bowler and loved spending Saturday nights on the lanes with his wife, Frances. A true fan of all of his Boston sports teams, Robert also enjoyed watching his grandson playing in his band "The Mojo-Slim Band" on the weekends with his family as well as spending time in Foxwoods cashing in on video poker. Robert's true passion was his family and his warm grace will be missed by them all.

Robert is survived by his children; Maureen Dalton of Malden, Nancy Pierce of Everett, Roberta J. Spencer and her husband, John of Stoneham, Robert J. McDonald, Jr. and his wife, Patricia of Haverhill and Joanne Tran and her husband, Chau of Malden as well as his adoring twelve grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. Robert was preceded in death by his grandson, Michael Joseph Dalton.

Funeral from the Weir-MacCuish Golden Rule Funeral Home, 144 Salem Street, Malden on Monday, November 5, 2012 at 9AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Sacred Hearts Church, 297 Main Street, Malden at 10 AM. Fr. Daniel J. Hickey, Pastor of Sacred Hearts Church will be presiding. Interment will follow in the Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody.

Visitation will be held in the funeral home on Sunday, November 4, 2012 from 3 to 7 PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Robert's memory may be made to the St. Jude Tribute Program, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.

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