Joseph P. McDonald

Today is September 12, 2023. My computer has not worked for a few days now and I'm just catching up with many things. There have been many posts about 9/11 and one, that had been posted by my son Scott, prompted me to go back in time. I am writing today because at the time of this tragedy I couldn't think straight and my only thought was to be with the McDonald family when this happened. I lived next door to the McDonalds in Livingston and we had moved, but always kept in touch. On that tragic day I had spoken to my son and he reminded me that Joe worked in New York. My heart sank and I made a phone call to Denise. A strange voice answered the phone. At that moment I knew. I dropped everything and headed to the McDonald house.
Memories of Joe and the McDonald family will remain in my heart forever. They were good people and great neighbors. All the testimonies written in all I've read are so very true. Though years have passed, Joe and his family are not forgotten. I, along with so many, wish the McDonald family good health and happier times and hold on to the memories that keep you grounded! MEMORIES ARE FOREVER!!! Love to all! Fran Bagoon

even though i have never met joe, i am cousins with his nephew, and i just wanted to say god is with you and ill never stop praying or thinking about you guys.

In Memory
With Honor & Respect.

Hello my friend. It has been a long 10 years, and I hope that I have not let you nor the family down. God knows, as do you, my mistakes and sins, and I pray that my lack of discipline has not affected the redemption of our Honor.

I will never forget the fleeting moments that I was able to share with you, and the fond smell of Cope will always linger by my nose.

Looking back I am glad I gave you the bed . I never knew you were into Zevon .You are a good man . No one will ever doubt that .
P Bennett

Joe, I think of you often and your memory always brings a smile to my face! May your soul be resting in peace and may God watch over and bless your family.

To all: 09/11/2011
I can hardly believe that it has been 10 years since that day. I was a great friend with Joe at SHS-In Rapid City SD.
I can only imagine how that day changed lives for ever. I wanted to say my thoughts are with your family and with extended family as well!

To the McDonald family:
May the consoling words from family and friends continue to strengthen you during this difficult time, and may you find comfort in the words found in the Holy Scriptures: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."

May the wonderful memories of your loved one continue to provide a measure of comfort to you--until God's promises are fulfilled. Matthew 5:5; Psalms 37:11, 29

Hello Joseph. I would be happy to report that I am aware daily of your spirit dwelling about me. Your loving and positive energy,or your soul,is truly eternal.Through this knowledge I have come to a much simpler,but concise understanding of eternal life,which you have obviously been blessed to recieve. I realize that revisiting the heartbreaking experience of losing your physical company helps reinforce my awareness of your spiritual presence. You left me with a gift of perspective that I often cherish,but at times abandon when self centered fear rules the day.I pray to you now my brother,and ask you to do the same for me. I love you and miss you. Big T

In remembrance....

As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.

Joe, the worls was a much better place with you in it. You lead by example and always gave the benefit of doubt.



You were a quality person and I am a better person for having known you.

I WORKED WITH DENISE AT HUD. ALTHOUGH I DID NOT KNOW JOSEPH, MY HEART BLEEDS FOR DENISE AND THE FAMILY. (732) 636-2586.

Dear Denise, Kathleen and Brigid,



I did not know your hushand or your dad but my daughter Stephanie is Russell Jones' girlfriend. The other night on 9/11/04 Rusty was here for dinner and we were talking about that day. That is when I learned of your loss. I want to tell you how sincerely sorry I am for your loss. You are in my prayers. I pray the wonderful memories you all have helps in getting you through some of the pain. God bless.



Stacy Casella

Thoughts of Joe pass through my mind often. Family reunion's, holidays and summers at the Jersey shore. Joe always had a genuine smile, a joyous laugh and was always the person looking to have fun.



September 11, 2001 was the only time I could not perform my job as a 911 dispatcher. Hearing the news that Joe was among the missing hollowed my heart unlike anytime before. I can only hope that he is at peace, with my Dad, watching over us protecting us all from the very evil that took him away.



You will never be forgotten and will always be loved.



Ellen Bennett

To the family,

I am a Borland by marriage. My father-in-law is Joe's uncle. I never met Joe, but have heard wonderful family stories. My heart is broken for the family both near and far. We all think of you often and pray for those you left behind.

Peace be with us all until we meet for the most important family reunion!

Mrs. Robert Borland Jr. (Robin)

I only knew Joe for a short time, when I was a freshman and Joe a senior at Carleton in 1978. I remember him as a talented athlete, modest about his skills, and truly patient with a new kid on the rugby club. Joe and his family are in our thoughts and prayers.



David Hyden & Teresa Quon

I didn't know Joseph - I think about the loss suffered on 9/11 every day and I say a prayer for all of the beautiful families left to grieve - Remember no one can take away the beautiful memories you have. God Bless



Mother's maiden name (McDonald)

Dear Joe,



The family reunion is almost here, June 29th. Everyone is so excited to see each other but very saddened that you will not be there with us. This event is in your memory Joe. God bless you, Denise and the girls.



Love you and miss you

Gunner Martone.

Joe,

In the short time we worked together it took little time to realize that you are a person of trememdous character. You are a good man and you are missed, say hi to the boys.Jay

Joe, we miss you everyday and we love you so much. Your gentle way, generosity of spirit, and sense of humor stay with me and make me smile despite the pain I feel, everyday. I pray to God you are ok now; it's us, those left behind, who who must deal with despair and inhumanity. You are beyond...but you are close. Please always stay close. We love you, your family

Joe,

You've been in my thoughts a lot recently as I know March was a very special month for you. You taught me countless things about our business when you took me under your wing as I began life in the markets, but one thing sticks out in my mind- you told me that no matter what demands this business made of me, family always comes first. This didn't mean that much to me at the time, but as time goes by, those words echo in my mind.



I hope that I can live up to your words of advice, Joe. The world has lost a great father,husband and friend too soon-You are deeply missed.

I had the pleasure of working with Joe for a number of years at another firm, and was always inspired by the way he went about his business, kind of intellectually inspired but never pompous and always caring about the guys around him. As die hard Yankee fans, we shared a common bond that I'll carry with me as strongly as I carry the memory of a great guy whom we all miss tremendously. God bless his wife and girls...... Joe, we will never forget.

Lenny

I imagine you might b smiling down on me right now,but today being the 17 of March,I felt compelled to write you.March had much signifcance in your life as I recall,2 birthdays we might say . I look at your picture every day imagine you are waiting just outside the door .I know you are still around,I hope you hear me talking to you and asking you advice,I know I can stil draw strength.You left this world happy,joyous and free,something that few people on this earth ever achieve. I think you are probably hanging out with Erwin,Eric and the rest and having endless laughs. I hope to see you again in God's time Joe,I miss you dearly. Love Big T

My deepest sympathies to the McDonald family on the loss of Joseph. He was a wonderful man.

Love,

Peg Glanzman

God Bless your family. I lived around the corner and remember seeing Joe out in the yard as I walked my dog. You are all in my prayers at this very difficult time.

DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL MAN..JOSEPH P.MCDONALD AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS WIFE..CHILDREN..FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..STAY CLOSE AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/091..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK ...MAY JESUS AND ST.JOSEPH GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN

We don't know the McDonald family but live around the corner from them. The girls go to the same elementary school as our daughter. We just wanted to let you know that we pray for all of you every day.

I never met Joseph McDonald, but I received his name on a Mercyband bracelet I wear every day to remember one victim of the attacks. I see his name every day and say a prayer for him and his family. I hope his family can take some comfort in the fact that at least one stranger prays for them and Joe, by name, every day. Not only will his family never forget him, but I will never forget this man I never met.

So many wonderful memories. This fella, Joe, was one of God's great joys to all who knew him. If more were like him such tragedies would never be possible.

Joe,

I will never forget the time at the winter house when you thought the fish fell through the ice only to be recovered by one of the old fisherman. The gigantic smile on your face when you realized you had not lost the old guy's catch. Classic. It was just like you, always wanting to help and never wanting to hurt others.

Love ya. UM

I remember sneaking a look through your record collection at the family gatherings in your parents house. Warren Zevon sounded exotic to me at the time. I'll think of you when I here those songs

America Cries

We see your sorrow-

and our hearts cry....

We can not erase your pain

but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-

-the American people-

are beside you.

We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,

the strength that gives you courage,

and the words to lighten your spirits.

And when we are left speechless

may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts

to ease your sorrow.

May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-

-the American people-

face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn

Dixon, IL

A great man, a great cousin. He will be truly missed.