Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc.

1700 Washington Ave

Rensselaer, New York

Richard McDonald Obituary

McDonald, Richard A.
KINDERHOOK - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Richard A. McDonald, age 81, who died peacefully on Saturday, February 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Richard was born to the late Herbert A. and Mary (Nichols) McDonald.
A dedicated electrical engineer for over 39 years, Richard was a proud member of the Electrical Workers Union.
Richard was a cherished husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife of more than 25 years, Donna Jean; and his three children, Drew (Maria) McDonald of Schenectady, Richard T. "Todd" (Shelly) McDonald of Palm Coast, Fla., and Hollie K. McDonald of Port St. Lucie, Fla. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Donald (Susan) Van Patten of Ballston Spa, Michelle Martino of Ballston Spa, and Terrie Sitzer (Richard) of Chatham. Richard's legacy continues through his grandchildren, Devin, Brittany, Sydney, Rylea, Jordan, Maliq, Jacob, Joshua, Danielle, Casey, Samantha, Leonard, Christopher, Savannah; and his great-grandchildren, Cash, Crew, Oaklynn Reign, Rhea, and Coda.
Richard is also survived by his brother, James (Linda) J. McDonald of West Sand Lake; and his sister, Barbara Smith of Rensselaer. He will be remembered for his kind heart, unwavering dedication to his family, and his deep devotion to those he loved. He was a lifelong friend to many, including his dear friend, Thomas Scheriff of Kinderhook.
Relatives and friends are invited and may visit with the family on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., at the W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Ave., Rensselaer. A funeral home service will follow at 1:30 p.m.
In honor of Richard's memory, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, an organization that was close to his heart.
Richard will be deeply missed, but his memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. Online condolences may be offered at www.wjlyonsfuneralhome.com

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

Published by Albany Times Union from Feb. 23 to Feb. 25, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard McDonald

Not sure what to say?





3 Entries

Cecilia Malcolm

February 25, 2025

Sorry for your loss Donna. Prayers

Walter Bourguignon

February 24, 2025

My condolences to Mac´s family
Mac was such a great guy to be around. He was always a laugh a minute RIP mac

Jan Eisenman Leavenworth

February 23, 2025

Donna, so sorry to learn of Rich's passing. Fond memories of boating experiences at Albany Yacht Club. I pray for your peace, comfort and strength during this difficult time.
Jan Eisenman Leavenworth

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in Richard McDonald's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Richard McDonald

Feb

26

Visitation

11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

W.J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home, Inc.

1700 Washington Ave, Rensselaer, NY 12144

Feb

26

Funeral service

1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

W.J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home, Inc.

1700 Washington Ave, Rensselaer, NY 12144

Funeral services provided by:

W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc.

1700 Washington Ave, Rensselaer, NY 12144

How to support Richard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Richard McDonald's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more