David Francis McDonald

David Francis McDonald, 65, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, April 10, 2025.
Dave spent his early years in Westwood, N.J., and Beirut, Lebanon, before moving to Scarsdale, N.Y., where he finished high school and met his future bride, Amy Gold. After graduating from the University of Maryland, he and Amy lived in Alexandria, Va., and then Brooklyn, N.Y., before moving to Jenkintown, Pa.
A five-time Emmy Award winner and multi-Promax Gold Award-winning television producer, Dave worked at the USA Network, the Food Network, NBC, and spent the majority of his career at PIX11 in New York City. Sober for 23 years, he was dedicated to his Alcoholics Anonymous community, which he credits with having saved his life. He considered it an honor and a privilege to give back to that community for as long as he could.
Dave was an avid runner, and found joy and peace jogging through Central Park, completing one of his 11 marathons, and most recently, taking a sunset run along the beach in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. A lifelong creative, he wrote songs, novels, and screenplays; painted; took photographs; played guitar; and produced both a documentary in Italy and a play for the Philadelphia Fringe Festival.
Dave was known for his humility, his passion, and his sometimes-twisted sense of humor. Those who met him even briefly were struck by his inner strength and a deep kindness. From politics to philosophy, poetry, movies and music, he was always ready to share his opinion.
Dave was diagnosed with glioblastoma in July 2021 and continued living a full life with dignity and grace until the end. Throughout the ups and downs, he remained the most loving husband, father, and especially grandfather to his beloved Colton, who in turn provided his Pop Pop with heartfelt comfort and tender support.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Amy; his sons, James, Alistair, and Justin; his grandson, Colton; his brother, Damian (Nanci); and his stepmother, Janice. He is also survived by many brothers- and sisters-in-law; his mothers- and father-in-law; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, David Thomas and Dorothy Wylie.
The funeral will take place on Monday, April 14th at Carmel Presbyterian Church, 100 Edge Hill Road, Glenside, PA 19038, with a gathering at 11:00 AM and the service beginning at 12:00 PM. The family will be sitting Shivah at their home afterwards until 3:30 PM, and then again on Tuesday, April 15th from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Services to be live-streamed courtesy of Carmel Presbyterian Church via their Youtube channel. Direct link is below.
Donations may be made in his memory to the Abramson Cancer Center. Direct link is below.