Rev. Elmer J. McDonald
1924 - 2016
Rev. Elmer J. McDonald
1924 - 2016
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1924
DIED
2016
Elmer McDonald Obituary
Rev. Elmer J.
Rochester: Age 92, a priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester, died on December 4, 2016, at the Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse. Father McDonald was born on August 23, 1924, son of Elmer and Margaret (Sweeney) McDonald, who preceded him in death. He is also predeceased by his sisters, Elizabeth (Charles) Heinrich, Marguerite (Jack) Caufield; and niece, Anne Marie Caufield. Survived by nieces & nephews, Monica Nothnagle (Tom), Martha Caufield, Joseph Caufield (Susie), Paul Caufield, Carol Heinrich, Elaine (Dick) Driscoll, Mary Meisenzahl and Janet Scotto; several great-nieces & nephews.
The family would like to send a special thank you to the Sisters of St. Joseph.
Father McDonald grew up in St. Monica's Parish, Rochester, and received priestly formation at St. Bernard's Seminary in Rochester. On June 11, 1949, Father McDonald was ordained a Catholic priest by The Most Reverend James E. Kearney, Bishop of Rochester. Following his priestly ordination, Father served at Holy Rosary Parish, Rochester; a chaplain to The United States Navy; Sacred Heart Cathedral, Rochester; St. Francis deSales, Geneva; St. Augustine Parish, Rochester; St. Christopher Parish, N. Chili; St. John the Evangelist Parish, Greece; St. Mary Parish, Dansville; and as chaplain to The Veterans Administrations in Waco, TX and Bay Pines, FL. In June 1995, Father McDonald was granted Senior status and continued to provide priestly ministry in the Diocese in St. Petersburg, FL, until he moved into the Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse in 2015.
On Tuesday, December 6, 2016, Father McDonald will lie in state at St. Christopher Church, 3350 Union St., N. Chili, NY, from 9-11 AM, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM. The Most Reverend Salvatore R. Matano, Bishop of Rochester, as the main Celebrant. Burial will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
Donations may be made to VA Medical Center or Alzheimer's Association
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ann Stokman
December 16, 2016
Sorry to hear of the loss.
Revs. Thomas/Francis Dieter/Dionne
December 6, 2016
A man of dedication and strong convictions but above all a true priest who unwaveringly cared for/to his flock whether militarily or within a parish setting. The years we shared with him as Chaplains at the VA in St. Petersburg were truly a testament of his devotion to the veterans and in turn they loved his authenticity and respected the cloth in which he represented. Undoubtedly an honor to his vocation. We will remember him in our daily prayers and Masses.
Thomas/Francis Revs. Dieter/Dionne
December 6, 2016
Truly an honorable and decent human being but above all a devoted and solid man with unwavering dignity to whomever he ministered to We fellow chaplains and the veterans respected his devotion and commitment to his priesthood - indeed an honor to the cloth. He will be missed and remembered in our Masses and prayers..
Barbara Ralston
December 6, 2016
Father McDonald truely had a servant's heart. St. Christopher's was blessed when he was sent to North Chili to begin a new church. My family and I will always remember him for his kind and caring ways.
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December 5, 2016
Father Mac married Dave and myself at St John's in St Petersburg. He's such a wonderful, special person. I've missed him since he left St PETE. I'll remember him always.
Carol (and Dave) Pfefferle
Dawn and Dan House
December 5, 2016
A very special priest , our founding Father of St Christophers. He always remembered our names. We will always remember him.
Joanna Aguglia
December 5, 2016
I worked with Father Mac at St. Christopher's and I enjoyed his friendship for over 20 years. He was a pastor in the truest sense of the word; always available to serve. Mike and I will miss him.
Mary E (Lavery) Greenblatt
December 5, 2016
I have so many lovely memories of Fr. McDonald when I was a little girl at St. Christopher's. One of my favorites, was how we'd always sing "Kumbaya" at Mass. I hope he knew how much he meant to everyone and how much he was loved. Until we meet again.
Tom Gilmore
December 5, 2016
I have great memories of this rookie priest coming to Holy Rosary, his first assignment. He captured the love of all parishioners. I haven't seen him for over 60 years but have never forgotten this great priest.
Janet Scotto
December 5, 2016
It has been an honor to spend the last months with Uncle Elmer! Wonderful memories!
Jessica Istas
December 5, 2016
Rest in peace Uncle Elmer.
Gary/Mary Kay Buckland
December 4, 2016
Rest in Eternal Peace ..Dear Father McDonald.
We first met him at St. Augustines and were proud members of St. Christophers ..where he was our founding pastor... His encouragement, positive enthusiasm and holiness were the foundation of a vital, active, prayerful parish community..We were blessed and graced. There will be wonderful memories..with our prayers..
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2771 Chili Avenue, Rochester, NY 14624
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