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John McDonald Obituary

John (Jack) McDonald February 4, 1950 - June 15, 2010 East Lyme - John (Jack) McDonald, 60 of East Lyme entered eternal life on June 15, 2010 after a brief courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 40 years, Joanne (Kupis) McDonald. He leaves his beloved children, Denise McDonald of East Lyme and John McDonald and his wife Maura of Scituate, MA. He will be sadly missed by his beloved grandchildren, William and Lila Grace Carling and Jacqueline McDonald, who he enjoyed watching grow and play. Jack is also survived by his two brothers, Jay and his wife Dottie of West Palm Beach, Florida and Bruce and his wife Gail of Loudon, Tennessee. His brother-in-law, Edward Kupis and wife Lois of Niantic, CT along with his niece Shelley and nephews, Sean, Rob, Scott, Casey and Marshall. Jack was born in Newport, Rhode Island on February 4, 1950 to the late Hugh J. and Augusta McDonald. Jack was a fireman at the Electric Boat Fire Department for 19 years while also volunteering at Oswegatchie, Jordan and Flanders Fire Departments. His love of sports prompted him to open the "Sports Shop" in Niantic, CT. where he was part owner. His most recent job was for Securitas at Southeastern Mental Health in Norwich, CT. As far back as we can remember Jack was always at a ball field. He was involved in East Lyme Little League for 10 years, 5 of which he served as a coach and another 5 years as League President He then went on to coach East Lyme Babe Ruth for another 5 years. But Jack's true sports love and passion was as a game official. he officiated baseball, basketball and football for over 28 years. During that time he was afforded the opportunity to do numerous quarterfinal and semi-final play-off games for baseball and football. He was privileged to officiate one State Championshlip Final Game for baseball and one for football and took great pride in these achievements. He was also afforded the opportunity to work the chains at Uconn Football games for two season. Officiating was never about him, he believed it was his job to do the very best he could becuase, "Today is these kids biggest game." Over the last 5 months Jack fought his biggest game head on, and with vigor. He was president of the Eastern CT Board of Approved Baseball Umpires from 2006-2008 and President of the Eastern CT Association of Approved Football Officials from 2007-2008. He enjoyed "Spring Training" in Florida every March and traveling to watch his son play baseball. His baseball "trips" with Joanne took them from the small cities of the Carolina's and Up-State New York to the bright lights of many Major League stadiums, but especially to Yankee Stadium. He will miss the many trips to Newport with his wife , and close friends Donna and Alan, and countless weekends on their boat exploring the Connecticut River. Jack would most like to be remembered for his love of the game, no matter which season. The bonds he has shared between officials, coaches, and sports enthusiasts of Southeastern, CT and beyond has meant the world to him. He enjoyed watching games almost as much as he did officiating them. For all the special people he has met and good friends he has made along the way, he wants you to know that he was very fortunate to have been a part of your lives. Donations can be made in Jack's name to the Cancer Research foundation of your choice. His family will received relatives and friends on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home. 84 Montauk Ave. New London. Guest are asked to gather for a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph Church, 17 Squire St., New London. Interment in St. Mary Cemetery, New London.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Norwich Bulletin on Jun. 16, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for John McDonald

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Bill Simons

July 3, 2010

To the McDonald Family,
My deepest sympathy to all. I remember Jack well from my Waterford Little League days playing for Hugh; Gussie, Bruce, Jay and Jackie never missed a game, it was always about family.
Jack will be missed.
Bill Simons

Adam Brezenski

June 27, 2010

John and the Mcdonald Family,
So sorry to hear about your loss.
I will keep you all in my prayers.
God Bless,
Adam Brezenski

Evan Bernstein

June 22, 2010

John, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your families. Your dad was a great coach and mentor. He made a real impact on my life as a young man and he will be missed.

Robert Ayala

June 22, 2010

For a great guy and classmate. Fun memories from 42 years ago at Waterford High, class of 68.
I will always remember Jack as a happy and fun person.
My most sincere condolences to the McDonald family.

Maureen Brennan St Pierre

June 22, 2010

To the McDonald family, I have many happy memories of growing up with the McDonalds in Oswegatchie and attending St Matthias Church. Hugh & Gussie were great parents, our parents all looked out for each others kids, keeping us out of "trouble" as little kids, playing ball on Mr Sanford's lot, jumping out of his big tree on the Tarzan swing....great times, great place to be from, rest in peace Jack, you lived a good life, to those you left behind, my sincere sympathy and friendship...

Irene & Fred Fichtman

June 21, 2010

Joanne & Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.

June 21, 2010

Joanne & family..I am so sorry to hear the sad news. I was reading an AP sports story in our paper and realized it was you. It was a very moving article. Be well and take care. Thinking of you! Lori Kassman

Anna Turner

June 21, 2010

My heart and prayers go out to all of you in this very sad time.
John and Denise my thoughts are with both of you as I know (all too well) that the loss of a parent is heartbreaking a devistating.

Robert (Bob) Wade Sr.

June 21, 2010

I knew Jack when we worked at E.B.he would come into the wharehouse to check the dates on the fire extinguishers. and would alwas have time for you.I remember when he used to call the New London High football games with Bill Donivan on the TV and radio.He and I worked together putting up forms for bassments of houses when we were on strike from E.B.
May God Bless the entire MCDonald family.

Craig Miller

June 21, 2010

Jack was and will always be my dear friend whom I loved very much. We spent many days and evenings together and although we worked closely for many years, it took second seat to the sharing of good times and family stories. His gift and passion as a father shines evident in the life of his son. I pray God holds his arms wide open for my friend whom I pray to see again on the other side.

Richard & Linda Levesque

June 21, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.
Remember the good times, as there were many.

Michael Thomas

June 20, 2010

To Jack's family--Jack was a fellow basketball official on Board 8. He had a wonderful approach to the game of basketball and was a "professional official". One that took the game seriously and loved being a part of the game. I am very happy that I got a chance to work a game with him at Waterford HS a few years back. He left a lasting impression on me. I will never forget his message, "do your best you can on the court for the kids, this is their game." I always enjoyed hearing his stories about John and the great success that he has had at the Major League level. Jack, you will not be forgotten. God Bless.

Chuck Greene

June 20, 2010

Although I didn't know Jack that well in high school, and have been out of the area for many years, my memories of him are of a guy who always had a smile on his face. You can't ask for more in life than the love and respect of family and friends, and from the many posts I've seen here it is obvious that he most deservedly had both. My sincere condolences to Joanne and family.

Rick Bogert

June 20, 2010

Dear Joanne and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I had the honor to know Jack as my friend for many years. Years ago, we were driving to a game together. I only got in four words, "Hi, Jack" and "We're here." Jack took care of the rest of the conversation.
I'll remember him most for his dedication to the players of the games he worked. I am a better man for knowing Jack.

Angela and Rick Bogert

Camie Joyce

June 19, 2010

Dear Mrs. McDonald and family,
I had the priviledge of working with your sweet Jack at CY in East Haddam a few years back. He was such a gem of a person. Jack always spoke so highly of his family and bragged often about how proud he was of his son's baseball achievements. We couldn't wait to ask Jack on Monday how his son had done! Our lives are richer for having met him. God speed Jack

Sincerely,
Camie Joyce

Pete Lamb

June 18, 2010

Joanne, Denise, John and Family, Our family are extending to you our deepest sympathy and prayers with the pasing of "Jack". I worked with him at EBFD and FFD and he was a great man and I will always remember his smile and laughter.
God bless all of you

June 18, 2010

To the McDonald Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. May you find peace and comfort in the many loving memories you shared with your husband, father, brother, and friend.
Warmly,
Sam Peretz & Family

Rodney Williamson

June 18, 2010

Joanne & Family,
Although I moved away shortly after graduation I certainly have fond memories of our high school days. I have learned in these 40+ years that our God is all sufficient to meet every need if we cry out to Him and remain faithful. We have the incredible promise of no more pain or suffering for Jack. For you I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ may wrap His loving arms around you and bring you a peace that passes all understanding and that He may bring incredible loving memories of the time that He gave you together. If you are ever around Pensacola FL give me a call.

Cherie (Maranda) Kelley

June 18, 2010

Joanne, Denise, John and Family and also to Scott, Rob and the Kupis Family:

I want to send you all my deepest sympathy, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Mr. McDonald will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him. Growing up in East Lyme when you think of Youth Sports you always think of Jack McDonald. He really did have the love for any game! Johnny- Duane and I and our families enjoy watching you play and your Dad always will!! Take Care and God Bless you all!

June 18, 2010

Joanne and Family,
You, Jack and your family have been in mine and Bill.s prayers and thoughts since we heard about Jack's diagnosis. We treasure the friendship, laughter and mutual times we spent together. Jack was an amazing man whose laughter and sense of humor was contagious. Please let us know if we can do anything. You continue in our prayers and thoughts. Bill and Cindy Longway

June 18, 2010

To The McDonald Family,
May faith sustain you, God's love surround you and happy memories comfort you now and in the days ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Pellegrino Family, East Lyme

Pamela Hodge

June 18, 2010

My deepest condolences go out to the McDonald family. I pray the Lord's peace and comfort for you now and always.

Pete Ververis

June 18, 2010

You could talk to Jack McDonald about anything, but mostly you just listened. Jack had "the gift of gab." I especially enjoyed him speaking proudly of his son's accomplishments in life. He certainly was a family man. Good father, great husband, but most of all a devoted friend.

Jack, your family will hold dearly & fondly your memory. I could never say an unkind word about your affiliation with all of the sports officials' organizations you associated with over the years.

I applaud as well as envy your dedication & commitment to bettering officals over the years.

Hats off to a GREAT guy.

Desarae Latino-Davis

June 18, 2010

Mr. McDoanld, I truly enjoyed all our conversations and visits in the "box" throughout the years. You were a sweet man who I thoroughly enjoyed talking too. May you ump and share your sports stories with all heaven's angels. For you are truly an angel.......

Jeff Johnson

June 17, 2010

My thoughts go out to the McDonald family. I was sad to hear the news when my mother called to inform me yesterday afternoon. Mr. McDonald has always been a big part of my childhood memories of growing up in EL with his participation in managing the EL Little League and it's opening day ceremonies. A very likeable guy with a great personality that made you smile. I wish my old friend from American Legion ball Johnny Mac and his family the best in these difficult times.

Carl Sheppard

June 17, 2010

Jack McDonald, one of the finest and honest people I have ever known. Peoples faces would light up whenever they got the chance to talk with him. My condolences to your family. I know that they will miss a very caring, generous and kind man. On behalf of sports officials, players, coaches and administrators all over Southeastern Connecticut!

Maureen (Jamieson) Hyland

June 17, 2010

Joanne & Family,

My prayers and thoughts are with you. So sorry to hear of your loss. Jack will remembered for all his accompl ishments and his very friendly nature. Everyone that ever met Jack has fond memories whether it be of high school days or Jack's participation in the community where we raisied our children. I am lucky to have both. Again my prayers are with you and your family.

Warren Whitehouse

June 17, 2010

Dear Friend, I'll miss the fun times, doing the Youth football games at Stonington and the faded yellow socks.

Joanne and family, our hearts and prayers are with you.

Whitey and Ginny

David Camassar

June 17, 2010

My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the McDonald family on this day. May faith in God provide you comfort in this difficult time.

I will always cherish the memories of my youth in East Lyme and the opportunity to have known Mr. McDonald.

John Fichtman

June 17, 2010

My condolences to the McDonald family. My memories of Jack are from when I was a young boy. He was a good coach for little league but maybe not too many people saw him working on the off days. He was at the little league fields putting the roof back on the dugout after bad storm had blown it off and setting up industrial fans to dry the in fields. On a different occasion he was pouring concrete floors for the dug outs.
-thank you Mr. McDonald.
John Fichtman

Chrissy and Jim Gorton

June 17, 2010

Bruce,Gail and Family:

Our deepest heart felt sympathy goes out to you and your family. May you be comforted by family and friends thru this difficult time. Know that our thoughts and prays are with you.

Richie Crowther

June 17, 2010

Jack,

You gave me one of the greatest moments of my life when you got field passes from Johnnie so we could go on the field during Yankees batting practice at Winter Haven. Johnnie was injuried that day so we didn't get a chance to thank him. But I know you knew how greatful we were. I remember the time you took to drive to New Haven to my son's bachelor dinner after working all day with us at CY. I would like to guess that the baseball program in Heaven is expanding and the good Lord needed a great Ump. Well he got one of the best. Thank you Jack for your friendship to me and Linda. I will never forget you.

Jon J. Cumberlander

June 17, 2010

To the McDonald family,

My deepest sympathy for your loss. Although I’ve only knew Jack for a short time, his impact on me will never be forgotten. While watching him work over the years and listening to his words of encouragement is one of the reasons why I’ve became an umpire. On the court or on the field, his desire was to “do things right.” He taught me a lot and I can only wish that one day I will develop the same passion and enthusiasm he brought to the field everyday. He was my mentor. I will all ways remember the day we stayed on the field at Vets till dark talking situations.

Goodbye old friend,
#46

Rich and Linda Crowther

June 17, 2010

To the McDonald Family,

Our hearts are with you. Even though Jack has left so much of himself with so many, words can not express how much we will miss him.

Diane Cote

June 17, 2010

My heart goes out to the McDonald family. Jack was truly a good man. He will surely be missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.

Kelley Hyland

June 17, 2010

Denise and Family,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.Always remember the wonderful memories you all shared, and there were many. Denise your dad is your "ANGEL" and he will alway be with you and your family. God Bless you all.

Love You,
Kelley and Natalyah

Tom Heatley

June 17, 2010

Jack and I were baseball teammates in Waterford back in the late 1960's. He was a kind and friendly person who truly played his best and loved the game. I am so happy to read and hear that Jack devoted a lot of his life being an umpire and official for around 28 years in Southeastern CT. I know he was a success. I am saddened to read of his passing at such a young age. My heartelt sympathy to his wife and children. Also to Jack's siblings and extended family members.

June 17, 2010

To Joanne and family:

We wish to express our deepest sympathy for your loss. Jack was a true friend, a wonderful family man and a sportsman that always did his best.

We will miss him but always remember
the good times we shared on the athletic fields.

Our best and support to the family.

Bill & Pat Mignault
Ledyard, CT

Yuhas Family

June 17, 2010

To the McDonald family,
Our Thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Jack was a great guy and will be missed.

Karen (Banta) Dermody

June 17, 2010

Joanne & Family:
I was so sorry to hear about Jack. Living in NH I miss a lot but thanks to the network we have setup since the reunion, word does get passed now.

I will always remember Jack as the fun loving guy I first met 40+ years ago. He was the type of person that everyone liked and made friends with. The love you two have shared for so many years is a precious gift and one to be cherished.

Please take care and know my thoughts are always with you.

Glenn Rupert

June 17, 2010

To his son John and other family members. I was at Wateford High School when John was a student their. A really nice person. John Jr. I saw you when you were playing with the Cleveland Indians and you were playing the Pittsburgh Pirates I went with Rick Sherman. My condolances to you and your family.

Scott Heller

June 17, 2010

Johnnie Mac and family, I am saddened to hear the news of Jack. He was a great man on and off the field. I have fond memories of interactions with him behind the plate and out in the field.
With heartfelt sympathy, Scott Heller.

Ken Haner

June 17, 2010

To the McDonald family my deepest sympathy at this time of sorrow.
Jack will be sorely missed here on earth, but I am sure he is smiling once again in anticipation of working today's double header on the "field of dreams".
I hope all will pray for Jack's family as they navigate this difficult period in their lives and I also hope that if you pray, you might be a little bit patient with God. I understand he coaches one of the teams, and you know Jack is chewing on his ear as we speak, so he might not get back to you right away.

Peace to all.

Kevin Moreland

June 17, 2010

To the family,

I would like to offer you all my deepest sympathy. I had the privilege of meeting Jack on the football field and later have him be part of the State Championship Crew for the LL game in 2006. The crew picture hangs on my office wall as a reminder of a great game and crew. It now will serve as a memory to me that I was lucky enough to have worked that game with Jack.

He was a great man who loved his family and everything about sports and children.

He will be missed .... :-(

June 17, 2010

Joanne, Denise, Johnny and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We had many great family picnics together over the years where baseball was the theme. Great memories. Franny and Greg

Timothy Jerome

June 17, 2010

To the McDonald family,
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you on this most difficult of times. Jack was loved by all and will truely be missed." Timothy Jerome and Family

DONNA & ALAN RHEAUME

June 17, 2010

Joanne,Denise,John & Maura,
We who knew and loved Jack have some idea of how great your loss truly is. I never knew anyone who had so many friends or who deserved them more.He was such a great friend to us. Donna & I will hold on to the special memories of our time with Jack.There were many.The boating days and the trips to spring training will never be the same but Jack will always be with us I'm sure.In the past few months Jack displayed unbelievable strength during his illness.He was an amazing person. I hope you can find comfort in your memories with him and knowing he is in heaven. He will now help guide the rest of us on our journey until we meet with him again. While no words of mine can ease your loss,I just want you to know that we are grieving with you. Please remember Donna and I will always be here for you. We love you all.

Alan, Dottie, David Camassar

June 17, 2010

Our heartfelt sympathy to Joanne and family. We will always remember Jack with respect and fondness, and for the good times in East Lyme youth sports.

James Kelley

June 17, 2010

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

scott martin

June 17, 2010

Jack was a very good person he touch a lot live on this earth i will miss him at the baseball field wind he ump the game.

Dawn Penman

June 17, 2010

John & family,
So sorry to hear about losing your dad. May you hold the memories close as they are a gift from him that can never be lost or broken.
The Penman Family

Tony Gialpis

June 17, 2010

Dear Johnny Mac and Mcdonald Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss. May there be comfort in knowing that someone so special will never be forgotten.

With deepest sympathies,
Tony Gialpis

June 16, 2010

To Jack's Family, I wish to express my deepest condolences Jack was a good man he was a friend to my late husband who I also lost to cancer in Sept. they would always talk sports and spar together over games.We worked with Jack At SMHA. May you have many good memories as I have.
Linda Running, Brooklyn, CT

John & Joani Zotti

June 16, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

June 16, 2010

To Joanne and family, our deepest condolences. We pray that Jack's memory will fondly be remembered in the many hearts that he has touched along the way.

Sandra and George Tryon

June 16, 2010

Joanne & family,

You are in my thoughts and prayers. Your husband, Dad and Grampa was a wonderful man. My husband, Ralph, loved nothing more than talking baseball with him, going over the game
and all the calls they made...He was
a gentleman on and off the field, a man
with a kind heart and he will never be
forgotten. I feel my son, Sean, is going to miss him terribly. But his memory will always be with us.

Jean Brennan
Tarpon Springs, FL

SARGE

June 16, 2010

Good Bye my friend and mentor. I will keep our memories we shared through out the years close to my heart. Though you left us so soon, your mark on this earth will never be forgotten. I only wish you had more time to touch the lives of more people as you have mine and my family. I only wish that I could have done more in your final days, but our coversations were special. I will miss you Dude, but I know someday we will work a doubleheader at the largest stadium. I just hope you bring your A game.

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