Obituary of John M. McDonald
John M. McDonald, age 71, of Geneseo, died Monday December 6, 2021 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY. He is predeceased by his parents, Eugene and Lillian McDonald Sr. and nephew, Brian McDonald.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy Vanderheyden McDonald, children, Matthew (Jennifer) McDonald, Christopher (Theresa) McDonald, Molly (Chad) Radesi, 6 grandchildren, Nathan, Samantha, Owen, Elizabeth, and Adelyn McDonald, Abigail Radesi all of Geneseo, siblings, Eugene (Brenda) McDonald Jr. of Pike, Sharon (Red) McKeown of FL, Joey McDonald of FL, Raymond (Sonyea) McDonald of CT, sister-in-law, Mary Humphrey, and brother-in-law, Michael Vanderheyden, many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
John was born on November 12, 1950 in Warsaw, NY, the son of Eugene & Lillian Jerow McDonald Sr. John graduated from Letchworth High school in 1969. On August 29, 1970 he married his high school sweetheart Nancy Vanderheyden McDonald and they were married for 53 years. After high school John began working for New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG). He spent 38 years as a Chief Lineman and Electrical Field Planner for NYSEG. During his time with NYSEG he served as Union president and took great pride in this role.
Throughout John's life he held numerous volunteer positions. He was instrumental in starting the Letchworth travel baseball program; was a Little League/Pony League baseball coach; and a Geneseo Youth Hockey coach. Additionally, he volunteered as a Boy Scout troop leader and served on the Board of the Perry Athletic & Racquetball Club.
More than anything, John was devoted to his family and to his role as husband, father, and papa. Nothing brought him more joy than being able to have everyone together to enjoy great food, good conversation, and playing cards. John could always be seen at his grandchildrens' sporting events and extra-curricular activities with pride in his eyes. John loved being outdoors, on/or near the water, and playing golf. John's love and belief in family was always evident to all who knew and loved him.
John was an absolute gem of a person. He had the ability to make you feel valued, cared for, and safe. John believed in showing people kindness and respect; and always lending a helping hand. He strived to show his family the importance of family and hard work over everything else. John had a way of putting everyone else's needs first. John will always be loved and remembered by all who knew him.
Due to Covid-19 no prior calling hours will be held at this time. Funeral Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. A Celebration of John's Life will be held in late Spring 2022.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Geneseo Sports Boosters, PO Box 482, Geneseo, NY 14454 or Suzie-Q-dog rescue, PO Box 236, Conesus, NY 14435. The family appreciates your kindness, thoughts, and prayers.
