EARL F. McDONALD Jr.

MCDONALD, EARL F., JR.Earl F. McDonald, Jr., of Branford died Monday, April 20, at Madison House, Madison. He was the loving husband of Molly Sullivan McDonald, who was a steadfast presence at his side throughout his long illness. Born in New Haven on September 30, 1944, son of the late Earl and Frances McDonald, Earl grew up in Fair Haven amidst a loving family and remained fiercely loyal to his family and friends in that community throughout his life. He graduated from Quinnipiac University, and then returned to teach at St. Francis School in Fair Haven for 40 years, retiring in 2010. He was also a part-time bartender for many years at Viva Zapata and Kavanaugh's in New Haven. Music was an over-arching theme of Earl's life. He played guitar and piano, and was a lead singer for bands that he and his fellow musicians formed – Sunday, Laughing Back, and Retreads, among others-which played throughout Connecticut from the 1960's through the 1990's. One of the songs for which Earl was known was his ""Lifeline""-and he certainly was that for so many. Earl was an immensely loyal friend who loved gathering people together for holiday celebrations and reunions of various types. His annual Christmas parties and cards were legendary. In addition to his wife, Molly, Earl is survived by his step-daughter Ann McNamara, her husband Brian McCarthy, and his step-grandson Brian; his brother-in-law Tommy Sullivan and his wife Maura; and aunts and uncles Joan and Frank Hurley, Irving and Dorothy McKay, Phyllis McKay, and Betty Novicki. He was predeceased by his brother Robert McDonald. The family wishes to thank all who helped Earl on this journey: Smilow Cancer Hospital, Guilford House, Madison House and their wonderful doctors, nurses and aides.
Friends may call Wednesday from 5 – 8 PM at the W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford. Thursday morning. His funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 9:30 for a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Francis Roman Catholic Church, Fair Haven. Burial will follow in All Saints Cemetery. For directions and online memorial see www.wsclancy.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Francis School, 423 Ferry St., New Haven, CT 06513. The most fitting tribute of all would be to remember Earl with a smile for a friend, a kindness for a stranger, or a song in your own heart and soul.