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BORN
1935
DIED
2022
Joseph McDonald Obituary
October 25, 1935 - August 6, 2022
Passed unexpectedly after a short illness, Joseph R. McDonald, August 6th 2022 in Walnut Creek, California. Born in Bailieborough, County Cavan, Ireland, October 25, 1935, aged 86.
Survived by his wife, Margaret (Peggy) McDonald; daughter, Karen (James Burke); brother, Thomas McDonald of London; and also many nephews, nieces and cousins both in Ireland and England. Preceded by his parents: Henry and Ellen McDonald; sisters: Irene (Giles) and Henrietta (Hogan); and brothers: Patrick and Gabriel.
Joe emigrated to the United States with Peggy in 1963 where they immediately settled in San Francisco. He trained as a chef from the age of 16 and worked in numerous hotels and restaurants in Ireland, England and Jersey, Channel Islands. They eventually opened their own restaurant in San Francisco on Noriega Street in 1972. For over thirty-five years the Sunset Restaurant was a neighborhood favorite, especially among the local Irish community. Joe took immense pride in the food he served, and many loyal customers eventually became good friends. He worked every day except Monday-that was reserved for a round of golf with his buddies, which he enjoyed playing for many years.
After retiring in 2006, Joe volunteered his time as chef for the United Irish Cultural Center, of which he was a proud member and had also served on its Board of Directors.
Walnut Creek has been home since 2014. Joe enjoyed the warm summer evenings sitting in the garden with his beloved dogs, listening to his favorite music station, often with a cool glass of wine in hand. His love of golf never waned, and he would still head over to the putting greens on occasion.
Almost everyone who knew Joe would say that he was a quiet, gentle and kind man. His devotion to faith and lifelong generosity to those in need was likewise expressed humbly. However, he heartily enjoyed a good joke and lively conversation. He will be greatly missed by us all.
We wish to thank the wonderful doctors, nurses and nursing assistants at Concord Medical Center ICU and Cardiovascular Progressive Care.
Friends are invited to visit on Monday, August 15, 2022 at 11:30am, attend a Rosary at 12:30pm and celebrate a Funeral Mass at 1pm all at St. Stephen Church, 451 Eucalyptus Drive, San Francisco. Burial to follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Colma.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Charities or your favorite animal charity.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph McDonald
Patrice Cochrane
October 1, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. My heartfelt condolences to Peggy and Karen and the rest of the family. He was such a lovely, kind man and always made you feel welcome.
Evelyn Whitla
August 15, 2022
Deepest sympathy to Peggy, Karen, Jimmy, Tom and the many nieces and nephews on Joe´s passing.
I have very fond memories of Joe´s kindness and generosity to me on my visits to San Francisco. He was a very gentle and soft spoken man and he will be sadly missed. May his soul Rest In Peace.?
Evelyn Whitla Galway and Virginia Co Cavan
aileen p howard
August 15, 2022
I am so sorry to hear this news. May Joe rest in peace.
Bronwyn
August 15, 2022
Such a lovely storey of Joe´s life. Deepest sympathies to you both, Peggy and Karen. All my thoughts, Bronwyn, Malahide, Ireland.
Veronica Farrelly
August 15, 2022
Deepest sympathy to Peggy, Karen & Jimmy on Joe´s passing. He had a very fulfilling life & may you all be consoled by theses memories.
May he now Rest In Peace.
Lots of love from Virginia, Ireland. Veronica Farrelly & Family
Brendan and kate Bannon
August 14, 2022
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Charlotte and Norton Feldstein
August 13, 2022
So sorry to hear about "Chef Joe´s" passing
We lived on Moraga and 20th Avenue.
We loved the Sunset Restaurant. My momma and I had lunch there every Saturday and often dinner, especially New Years Eve and often saw him at the Irish Cultural Center...his meals were delicious
Joe was always good to us, especially my elderly mom
Please accept our sincerest condolences
Charlotte and Norton Feldstein
JDB & SONS CONSTRUCTION, INC.
August 11, 2022
Thinking of you, with love - JDB
Brendan and Judy Kenneally
August 10, 2022
Condolences to you, Peggy, on Joe's passing. You hold a special place in the hearts of so many of us who grew up in the Sunset enjoying special dinners wit family, dates, and friends at your restaurant. You were wonderful to us! Rest in peace, Joe.
Joan Finucane
August 10, 2022
My sincere sympathy and sadness to you Peggy, Karen ( James )On hearing of Joe´s passing RIP. many thoughts run through my mind of so many great times experienced with you over the past years. I am truly sorry. My prayers and hugs to you.
Connie McNamee & Michael Burton
August 10, 2022
We wish to express our sincere sympathy to Peggy, Karen & Jimmy on the passing of Joe. I have very fond memories of Joe from our time in SF & subsequent visits from Australia. When I arrived in SF in 1986 Joe & Peggy took me under their wing & gave me a home from home & a job at the Sunset Restaurant to get me started. I´ll never forget Joe´s kindness & generosity to me then & on several visits to SF & Walnut over the years. He was a special person.
Deirdre Foley Hoey
August 9, 2022
My sincere condolences to you Karen and Peggy. My mother was Cecelia McDonald from Anne Street Balieboro. Joe and mam are first cousins. Beautiful photo of Joe I can see the resemblance of my mothers brother Henry Paul beautiful smile. Sadly the Anne Street McDonald´s have all passed except for Phyllis who is the youngest and resides at Dunshaughlin Co Meath. It is a difficult time for you my thoughts and prayers are with you. Deirdre xxxx
Kathy Sullivan
August 9, 2022
So sorry. Your dad was always fun and a great guy to wait on at the Center. Love, Kathy
Rory McDonald
August 9, 2022
I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to Joe´s family and loved ones. My father, Noel McDonald, was Joe´s cousin and spoke so fondly of him. When I spent a summer in San Francisco, Joe kindly fed and watered myself and some friends when we arrived in the city and gave us some old furniture to set us up. His kindness and generosity stuck with me all these years. He was such a gentleman and I am sure will be missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.
Eileen McGurk Helbig
August 9, 2022
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Vincent (McDonald)
August 9, 2022
His gentle smile will live with us
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