Joseph S. "Joker" McDonald, a 23 year resident of Medford and formerly of Charlestown, entered into eternal life at the E.N. Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital in Bedford. He was 85 years old.
Joe was born in Boston on September 21, 1929, a son of the late Frank McDonald and Mary (Peterson) McDonald. He grew up in Charlestown where he was educated in the Boston Public School system and graduated from Charlestown High School. He enlisted into the United States Army on June 9, 1955 and served his country with pride and courage during the Korean Conflict. He was discharged on June 7, 1957 with the rank of Specialist. Joe worked at the Charlestown Navy Yard until it was closed, where he then retired. Following his retirement from the Navy Yard, he worked as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. Joe was a member of the Bunker Hill Council #62 Knights of Columbus, and the Old Charlestown Schoolboys Association.
Joe is the beloved husband of Bonnie (Geagan) McDonald. He is the devoted father of Linda Connolly and her husband Steve of Reading, Bill McDonald of Florida, Stephen McDonald of Medford, David McDonald of Charlestown, and Bonnie Russell and her husband Bill of Billerica. He is the loving grandfather to 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He is the beloved brother of Richard McDonald of Charlestown, James McDonald of Lynn, Marjorie Fuller of Melrose, and the late Frank McDonald, David McDonald, Kenneth McDonald, and Marsha Zimmerman.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Joe’s Funeral on Saturday February 7, 2015 at 9 A.M. from The Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill St., Charlestown followed by his Funeral Mass in St. Francis De Sales Church at 10 A.M. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford. Visiting hours will be on Friday from 4 - 8 P.M. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Joe's name to The Charlestown Boys & Girls Club, 15 Green St. Charlestown, Mass. 02129.