John J. McDonald

John J. McDonald ROCKLAND John J. McDonald, 58 years, of Rockland, died suddenly, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008, at Tobey Hospital, in Wareham. He was the devoted husband of Gail M. (Whiting) McDonald. John was born and raised in Brockton, son of Arlene (Ward) and John McDonald, a retired Brockton firefighter of West Wareham. John was a graduate of Brockton High School, Class of 1969. During the Vietnam War, he served in the U.S. Navy. For the past 27 years, he had been a resident of Rockland, previously living in Brockton. At the time of his death, John had been a diesel mechanic for 20 years at Ryder Truck Rental in West Bridgewater. He had always enjoyed driving trucks and was a member of Machinists and Aeronautics Union Local 447. John also enjoyed time on his boat, lobstering and fishing. In addition to his wife and parents, he is survived by his beloved children, Joseph J. and Kelly J. Taxiera and her husband Michael, all of Brockton; two grandchildren, Alex and Alissa Taxiera; his sisters and brother, Carol A. Haskell and her husband James of Florida, Marjorie E. Sheridan and her husband Robert of Brockton and James F. McDonald of New York City. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Visiting hours in the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont St. (Rte. 123), Brockton, Thurs- day, 5-8 p.m., with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of John to Christmas Sharing Program at My Brothers Keeper, P.O. Box 338, North Easton, MA 02356, or to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. For condolences and directions, www.conleyfuneralhome.com.