Neil J. MacDonald

Neil J. MacDonald, 77, of West Scranton, died Monday at Allied Services Hospice Center. His wife of 11 years is the former Norie Grudis Patelunas.

Born in Scranton, he was a son of the late Neil W. and Gladys Ann Grogan MacDonald. He was an active and faithful member of St. Patrick's Parish and a graduate of St. Patrick's High School. He served in the Pennsylvania National Guard and was employed for 28 years as a firefighter for the Scranton Fire Department, retiring as captain. During his retirement, he operated a fence company.

A generous spirit with his time and talents, Neil was the social director for the John Marshall School Apartments, and initiated games of bingo and dominoes for his neighbors. He also helped organize charitable donations for Toys for Tots. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is also survived by a stepdaughter, Elizabeth Root and husband, Rick, Scranton; a stepson, Anthony Patelunas and wife, Ray Dean; four sons, Neil F., Gregory M., Brian J. and Thomas D. MacDonald; 12 grandchildren; a sister, Jeanne and husband, Edward Wirth; two brothers, Michael and wife, Patricia; and William and wife, Lori; a sister-in-law, Joan MacDonald; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was also preceded in death by a stepdaughter, Patricia Patelunas; his first wife, Dorothy Grudis MacDonald; and a brother, Ronald.

The funeral will be Friday with Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St Patrick's Church, 1403 Jackson St., celebrated by the Rev. Richard Fox, pastor. Friends and family may call prior to Mass, from 9 to 11 a.m., at the church. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, stjude.org.

Arrangements, Neil W. Regan Funeral Home Inc., 1900 Pittston Ave. To email condolences, please visit the funeral home website.