Obituary of Robert T. McDonald
Robert T. "Bob" McDonald
After a rich and rewarding life, Robert "Bob" McDonald peacefully closed his eyes for the last time on June 15, 2023. He was 98 years old.
Born in Geneseo to Victor and Emma McDonald on October 5, 1924, Bob was the youngest son and a loving brother to his siblings James, William and Janice. He is predeceased by each of them as well as his beloved wife of 58 years, Jean Dorsey McDonald.
He is survived by his daughter, Robin of Los Angeles and sons, Kelly (Anne) of Las Vegas, Tracy (Darla) of Groveland and Casey (Michele) of Savannah. His grandchildren Jaclyn, Robert, Cody and Spenser all reside in Las Vegas, several nieces and nephews including, Thomas McDonald of Geneseo.
Bob lived a life devoted to family, church and community. He was especially proud of the military service he provided for his country during the Second World War. Assigned as a tail gunner on a B24 bomber with the US Army Air Corps "Flying Tigers", he reached the rank of sergeant.
Other than the extensive traveling he did as a soldier, followed by a few years "sampling" various universities in the northeast, Bob effectively spent the rest of his life in Geneseo. He graduated with an education degree from Geneseo State in 1950, but shortly after taking his first teaching job, Bob's father Vic became seriously ill. Running the family's auto business soon fell to Bob and he continued to operate the Genesee Valley Ford Garage on Main Street for the next twenty plus years. He then worked for the Least Ford agency in Geneseo and then finished his career at FA Motors in Scottsville.
Bob's list of community activities is extensive including serving as president of the Rotary Club, president of the GCS Board of Education, president of the State University Alumni Association at Geneseo, county chairman of the American Legion's Boys State program, the GV BOCES board and Chamber of Commerce. He is a Geneseo Central School Hall of Fame inductee and more than a few knew him from his many years as an usher at St. Mary's Catholic Church.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 from 4-7 PM at the Rector-Hicks Funeral Home, 111 Main St. in Geneseo. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 10 AM at St. Mary's Church, 4 Avon Rd. in Geneseo. Burial with Military Honors will be immediately following at St. Mary's Cemetery in Geneseo.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Geneseo Fire Department, PO Box 428, Geneseo, NY 14454.