Edward Ernest McDonald

Edward E. McDonald, 77, passed away peacefully on October 12th, 2025 at the Grand Islander Center in Middletown surrounded by his caregivers. Born and raised in Rhode Island, Ed made his home in Portsmouth for more than 30 years. He was the son of the late John McDonald and Netta (Hodson) McDonald.

Ed graduated from La Salle Academy, and attended Bryant College, earning a degree in accounting, and Roger Williams College (now University) with a second degree in electrical engineering. He served in the Rhode Island Air National Guard and enjoyed a fulfilling career at Electric Boat until his retirement in 1988. After retirement, Ed continued work as a bookkeeper at The Providence Center and then held several part-time jobs, including the Newport Yachting Center and the James L. Maher Center. His strong work ethic, dependability, and quiet sense of humor earned him respect and friendship from his colleagues throughout the years.

Outside of work, Ed was a man of many interests. He was an avid photographer who loved capturing life's moments through his lens, and a talented poet who expressed his creativity and reflections through his writing. He found joy in life's simple pleasures-appreciating the beauty of Aquidneck Island. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing golf with his parents. He will be remembered for his kindness and the gentle, thoughtful way he approached life.

Ed is survived by his stepdaughter Colleen Gouveia Moulton (Tom) of West Kingston, RI, stepson Jeffrey Gouveia of East Providence, RI, grandchildren Khaled Elsawabi and Amanda Moniz, and great-grandchildren Aliyah and Teagan Moniz, and Khaled and Leila Elsawabi. He was preceded in death by his stepson Eric Gouveia.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025 with visiting hours from 8:30AM-9:30AM at the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in St. Mary's Church on Spring St. Newport. Burial will be at Newport Memorial Park in Middletown.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ed's memory to the James L. Maher Center (www.mahercenter.org)

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff of the Grand Islander Center and Beacon Hospice for their exceptional care and kindness.