Paul E. McDonald

Paul E. McDonald

Greenfield, MA - Paul E. McDonald, 83, of West Springfield, MA, formally of Greenfield MA, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2023 with his loving wife, Nan, and children by his side.

Paul was a resident of Greenfield, MA for 80 years. He graduated from Greenfield High School in 1958. Paul went on to attend Springfield College where he earned a bachelor's degree in 1962 and a master's degree in 1963.

Shortly after obtaining his college degrees, Paul began his career in education. He taught physical education and coached at Cathedral High School in Springfield, MA and subsequently at Brattleboro High School in Brattleboro, VT. After working in the educational field for 14 years, Paul transitioned into the judiciary branch of state government. Paul became a probation officer for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Probation Service and was promoted to Chief Probation Officer of the Greenfield District Court. He remained in this position for 26 years until his retirement in 2002.

Paul met the future love of his life, Nan (nee Byron) in 1963 and they eventually married on December 2, 1967. Paul and Nan had six children and raised their family in Greenfield. Paul was active in local politics and civic organizations – he was elected to the Greenfield School Committee and was a member of the Kiwanis Club and a lifelong member of the Elks Lodge.

Paul coached various youth sports while raising and supporting the athletic pursuits of his children. He was instrumental in the successful efforts to construct a new track at Greenfield High School. Paul was proud of being from Greenfield and shared his love and passion for athletics with so many. He also took great pride in his Irish heritage, traveling to Ireland multiple times. He was always quick to strike up a conversation with a new acquaintance, introducing himself as Paul McDonald from Western Massachusetts, the 413.

Although he was a very modest man and never touted his own achievements, Paul was a very accomplished athlete. As a high school senior in the spring of 1958, Paul achieved the rare feat of earning a Western Mass. championship in both tennis and track and field - in the same season. He went on to run cross country and track and field for Springfield College. After his college career was over, Paul maintained his passion for running and competition. Paul ran 20 marathons over the course of his athletic career, finishing his last Boston Marathon in 2005 at the age of 65. Paul completed the Boston Marathon ten times and was often seen running through the streets and roads of Franklin County in preparation for his next competition.

After Paul retired from the Massachusetts Probation Service in 2002, he and Nan enjoyed spending their winters in Florida. They were fortunate to have family and friends who also traveled to Florida and spent their time exploring new adventures. Paul always took immense pride in his children and grandchildren and looked forward to spending time with his family and friends every chance he could. Whether it was a holiday, birthday, graduation or sporting event, or a spontaneous cookout with a cold beer and great conversation, Paul loved being in the company of others. He graciously opened his home to anyone who visited.

Paul was preceded in death by his mother and father, Edna and Donald McDonald, sister Virginia McDonald, and daughters, Sarah and Kelly McDonald. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Nan of West Springfield; daughter, Kathleen and her husband, Graham Jones, of Hingham, MA; son, Kevin and his wife, Jennifer McDonald of Florence, MA; son, Sean and his wife, Erin McDonald, of Florence, MA; daughter, Maura McDonald and husband, Melvin Arroyo, of West Springfield, MA; and daughter Erin McDonald and her partner, Kirk Vitello, of Swampscott, MA. He is also survived by his grandchildren whom he loved with all his heart: Brady McDonald, Quinn McDonald, Riley McDonald, Teagan McDonald, and Liam McDonald. They affectionately referred to him as "Bampy" and "Grampy Mac" and loved him so dearly. Paul is also survived by his brother, David, and his wife, Irene McDonald of Greenfield, MA, and sister, Marie, and husband, Jack McConnell of Centerville, MA. Paul also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

Calling hours will be on Thursday, July 6, 2023 from 4:00-6:00 pm at the Kostanski Funeral Home, 220 Federal Street, Greenfield, MA. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 7, 2023, at 10:00 am at the Blessed Sacrament Church, 221 Federal Street, Greenfield, MA with burial services immediately following at the Calvary Cemetery, 175 Wisdom Way, Greenfield, MA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Paul's memory to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave, Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or at https://act.alz.org.

For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com