Northborough – Richard “Richie” M. McDonald, Sr., 82, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 14, 2023.
Richard is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Patricia (Biache) McDonald; son, Richard M. McDonald, Jr of Northborough, MA; daughter, Christine McDonald, son-in-law William McCabe, and granddaughters Mada and Fionnuala McCabe of Washington, DC; sister Pamela McDonald of Southborough, MA; sister Elaine Ballentine of Nashua, NH; and many nieces and nephews. Richard was preceded in death by his brother, Daniel McDonald, sister-in-law Nancy McDonald, sister-in-law Grace Ann McDonald, and brother-in-law Joseph Ballentine.
Born and raised in Boston, Richard was the son of the late Captain Daniel T. and Margaret (Cleary) McDonald. He attended the Boston Trade High School for Boys prior to enlisting in the U.S. Air Force where he honorably served during the Vietnam War. Upon his return, Richard gained employment as a mechanic at Polaroid Corporation’s Cambridge and Waltham facilities and received an Associate Degree in Applied Science from Newbury Junior College. He was a longtime member of the American Legion Post 234 of Northborough and the VFW Post 9013 of Westborough.
Richard enjoyed going on long walks where he could often be found socializing with friends, old and new. He also enjoyed spending time outside and reading his many books and newspapers. In years past he found satisfaction as he tended his vegetable garden and home’s landscaping and taking the family on vacations to Cape Cod. Richard always had a smile and a story to share; he brought joy to the people in his life and will be remembered for his kind and outgoing nature.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, June 19, from 5 – 7 PM, at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St, Northborough. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, June 20, at Saint Rose of Lima Parish, 244 W. Main St, Northborough. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Howard Street Cemetery, Northborough.
Richard’s family respectfully request in lieu of flowers that memorial donations be directed to the Alzheimer’s Assn, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601 (www.alz.org).
To leave a condolence online, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.