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Mark McDonald Obituary
EAST GREENBUSH - Mark J. McDonald, 86, passed away peacefully in his home, on the afternoon of December 28, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Mark was born in Albany and was the fifth son of James T. McDonald and Mary Mahan McDonald. He completed his service in the Marine Corps in 1963.
He built his home in East Greenbush in 1969, and lived there with his family for the rest of his life. After working for Frank Brothers Nursery, he ran a landscaping business for two decades and then worked at Troy Built. He was the Commissioner of Public Works in East Greenbush in the 1990s, and finished his career working for Senator Joe Bruno.
He was actively involved in area politics, Pop Warner Football and was a life-long sports fan. He spent the last decade of life being disappointed by the Mets and Giants. He loved to travel to visit his grandchildren. Some of his favorite trips included a yearly visit to Santa's Village in New Hampshire; a weeklong vacation to Ireland to see his ancestral home; a two-week vacation in Tuscany with his son's family; a 25th wedding anniversary vacation in Hawaii; trips to watch Hamilton College football in the 1980s; and Christmas trips to his grandchildren in Arkansas and New Hampshire. He never met a stranger and loved to be with his friends and family.
He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Rachel (McCoy); children, Tom McDonald and wife, Kristin of Fayetteville, Ark., and Lori McDonald of Goffstown, N.H.; grandchildren, Justin McDonald, Meghan Bennett, Mitch McDonald, Nicholas Mattison and Sarah Mattison; great-grandchildren, Ivy Drew McDonald, Harvey McDonald, Brooks Bennett; and grandchild number four, in March 2026; and many nieces and nephews.
Mark's family would like to extend their sincerest thanks for the wonderful care provided the St. Peter's Hospice group and the Bruen Rescue Squad. A memorial service will be scheduled for May 2026. To offer online condolences, please visit www.wjlyonsfuneralhome.com
Memories and Condolences
for Mark McDonald
3 Entries
Joe Tierney
January 5, 2026
Sincere condolences to
Rachel and to each of Mark´s family and friends.Mark was a teammate at Cathedral Academy and like Rachel, a popular and cherished schoolmate. May he rest in heavenly peace.
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Pat Blanchfield
January 5, 2026
Rachael, Tommy and Lori I read with surprise and sadness the obit in yesterday's TU. He was such a gentleman and so easy to spend time with. I remember well the Hamilton games, a few dinners in Naples in the winter and watching the horses run in Saratoga. I know you all must have many great memories to hold you together during this sad time. Rejoice in the love of family. My sympathy and prayers are with you. Pat Blanchfield
Clifford D Quinn
January 4, 2026
My condolences to the McDonald family, neighbors for 12 years.
Cliff Quinn
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W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc.1700 Washington Ave, Rensselaer, NY 12144
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