John J. McDonald, 58 years of Rockland died suddenly Sunday, November 30, 2008 at Tobey Hospital in Wareham. He was the devoted husband of Gail M. (Whiting) McDonald. John was born and raised in Brockton, son of Arlene (Ward) and John McDonald, retired Brockton firefighter of W. Wareham. John was a graduate of Brockton High School Class of 1969. During the Vietnam era he served in the US Navy.
For the past 27 years he had been a resident of Rockland previously living in Brockton. At the time of his death John had been a diesel mechanic for 20 years at Ryder Truck Rental in W. Bridgewater. He had always enjoyed driving trucks and was a member of Machinists and Aeronautics Union Local 447. John also enjoyed time on his boat lobstering and fishing.
In addition to his wife and parents he is survived by his beloved children Joseph J. and Kelly J. Taxiera and her husband Michael all of Brockton, two grandchildren, Alex and Alissa Taxiera, his sister and brother, Carol A. Haskell and her husband James of Fl; Marjorie E. Sheridan and her husband Robert of Brockton and James F. McDonald of NYC. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours in the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont Street (Rte 123) Brockton Thursday 5-8pm with a prayer service at 7:30pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in memory of John to Christmas Sharing Program @My Brothers Keeper, P.O. Box 338, N. Easton, MA 02356 or to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701, for online donations click here