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James McDonald Obituary
JAMES "RIP", age 85, on July 26, 2009. He was a WWII Army Veteran and a String Band Mummer who marched up Broad St. for 70 years. He is survived by his wife, 4 sons, a daughter and a granddaughter. Services and Interment private.
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Memories and Condolences
for James McDonald
Tom Burtnett (Uptown, Denville, Ukies)
August 21, 2009
In "his" string band Rip was always optimistic and an inspiration to the rest of the musicians. All of us in string bands today can pay tribute to Rip by supporting with our words and deeds the smaller weaker string bands. They are so important to the strength of all bands and Rip knew that.
Ed & Kathy Dzemaili
August 5, 2009
Rip was one in a million, he always saw the glass as half full and saw the good in everyone. He had a great love for music and the mummers. I am sure Rip is now the Captain of Heaven's String Band. We will miss you Rip; thank you for the music.
Jimmy Graham
August 3, 2009
Rip was a good friend saved me from a life of drugs and crime although he would never admit it. He got me involved in music and mummers at a time when I had nothing to live for. He would come to my house and pick me up to go to practice at Crean stringband. He inspired me to do my best no matter how awful the situation appeared to be. I would sit and listen to him and the other old-timers talk about stringbands and life. It was as if I was sitting with my grandpa and a friend. I want to let everyone know that I turned out fairly successful with a good job, wife, and 2 kids and I am a living testament to his love. Knowing Rip, he probably started a stringband in heaven... but in heaven there is no beer. That's why we drink it here. And when we're gone from here. All our friends will be drinking all our beer!!
Thank you Rip
Bob Shannon, Jr.
July 30, 2009
The McDonald Family,
We in mummery will miss Rip's passion in music.
I know Rip was on of my biggest fans, but I will tell you that I was his
TALLEST fans. You will be missed by all......
Bob Shannon, Jr. and Quaker City Sting Band
Cass DiSalvio
July 29, 2009
My sincere condolences the McDonald family. I got to know Rip through AMVETS. He was committed to Veteran's issues, Post 77 and of course, his music. He will be missed. Cass DiSalvio, AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary #77
Patty Giardino Rampson
July 29, 2009
My prayers and condolences to the McDonald family. Rip would come to my house and write music with my father with my little portable piano organ for Dick Crean String Band. He would be so happy when a piece was finished and so excited to take it to the band to hear it. Lots of memories at the old Sun House on Rising Sun Ave..I will never forget the song "Mummers parade in Heaven". Hope you are at peace and marching in that mummer parade in heaven..
July 29, 2009
Rip and my husband George Leader were
long time friends.George always enjoyed his company and his musical
talents.
George and Rip are now in heaven meeting up with old acquaintances and
playing their music.
God bless Rip and his family.
Kathleen Leader
Mark Montanaro (GKSB)
July 29, 2009
Rip was a mentor to many. He was instrumental in forming 2 different String Bands. His passion and love for music and Mummery were second to none. Rip always had a smile on his face. Rest in Peace Rip Heaven just got a Hall of Famer. You will be greatly missed by all who knew you.
July 29, 2009
Our deepest sympathy for the McDonald family. Rip was a kind man, always laughing. We will miss your smile.
John and Carmella Paulik
Lou Erthal
July 29, 2009
Rip you will be misssed in the mummer world and beyond. Rip you touched the hearts of many with your dedication to this thing of mummery. Rip you got me in Dick Crean S.B. in 1974 and had me learn the sax. I can never thank you enough. Rip for sure there will be a "MUMMERS PARADE IN HEAVEN". Another sequin is placed on Gods backpiece. Rest in Peace Rip...
Karri Placencio
July 29, 2009
Brian and the McDonald Family,
Rip was a great guy who always had a joke and a smile for everyone. He will be missed by all...but I know there will be String band music in Heaven.
July 28, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with the McDonald's. Rip will be missed by all. I will never forget his kindness, he was always there to help. God Bless and rest in peace.
Don McGrgoan
July 28, 2009
Rip is finally at peace, he lived a long life and inspired many people with his love of music. He was a dedicated mummer, at one of the parades he felt sick and I offered to help him, he said leave me alone, if I'm going to die I want to die on the street. Every year on his birthday I brought him a cake and he was so happy. We will miss you. My prayers are with his loved ones.
Patty Rowley
Irish American String Band
eileen mckee
July 28, 2009
I'm so sorry for loss.Rip was a wonderful man and a great musician.I'm sure he is playing his sax up in heaven
Rick Conti
July 28, 2009
Rip was a man who always had a story or joke to tell. He was the perfect example of what a Mummer should be. His passion for music entertaining people is something that will not be matched. I'll always remember the many performances and parades when I marched alongside of Rip, and will treasure the many memories over the years. My deepest condolences to Rip's family and many friends.
Joe Moore
July 28, 2009
I was always amazed at Rip's passion and drive for music and string bands. His story telling and laughter I will miss. My deepest condolences to his family
Joseph W. Capone
July 28, 2009
Farewell my Brother, as you go to meet the Grand Architect of the Universe.
Your Brothers from
Philadelphia Potter Lodge # 72
James McGurn Worshipful Master
Joseph W. Capone PM Secretary
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