MEMORIAL TO DONALD GALE McDONNELL
Donald Gail McDonnell, devoted son of Marcy Richard McDonnell (deceased) and Myrtle Bond McDonnell (deceased) and beloved brother of Richard Bond McDonnell (deceased), passed away at age 91 on January 24 at a hospice care facility in Towson. He is survived by Dorothy (nee: Filbey), his adoring wife of 66 years. He is also survived by his devoted children: Wayne (Peggy, nee: Schaech) in Portland, Oregon, Debbie (Allen Moessinger) in Baltimore and Dorene (Lawrence Bertolet) in Richmond, Virginia. In addition, he was blessed to have five surviving grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Donald, affectionately known as "Mac," was born in Baltimore and raised in the Hamilton neighborhood across the street from Dorothy. After completing Grade School 236 and Sefton Junior High School, he attended Baltimore City College where he played football. After high school he joined the U.S. Navy during World War II, serving as an aerial gunnery instructor at the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station in the state of Washington. After his military service he attended the University of Baltimore and began his career in sales. In retirement he volunteered his time to the Ronald McDonald program, helping Debbie and Ronald with the set up and take down of the shows. There he earned the sobriquet, "Big Mac."
Mac married Dorothy in 1949. They purchased their first house in the Idlewood neighborhood, where they raised their children. In 1999 Mac and Dorothy became permanent residents of New Jersey when they decided to live year round in their Ocean City home.
Mac was a powerfully built man who loved sports. His passion was football. After injuries to his knee and shoulder, he changed the pads for stripes. He started officiating high school and then collegiate football, a job he enjoyed for over forty years. In addition to football, he excelled at roller skating, bowling and dancing. He also took up surfing, beach volleyball and snow skiing. He came in fourth place in senior surfing competition when he was 41 years old.
Family first. That was Mac's mindset. With his sense of humor and kind heart, he made friends wherever he went. Many people were drawn into his family circle. We will all miss him. Fond memories of him will lift our hearts in our own remaining days.