John Joseph Jack McDonald

John Joseph McDonald, "Jack"

Defreestville - John Joseph McDonald, "Jack" of Defreestville died suddenly at Albany Medical Center on August 17, 2012 and entered into eternal life surrounded by his loving and dedicated family.

John was born in Troy on June 19, 1924 to Mildred and Joseph McDonald. He was the devoted husband of Dolores V. Houghton for 59 years.

John was a 1942 graduate of LaSalle Institute in Troy and attended the University of Pennsylvania in Pittsburgh and the University of Chicago. He was a dedicated communicant of Sacred Heart Parish in Troy where he served on the parish council and as an usher for many years. He also volunteered in various positions within the church community while living in Pennsylvania. For 40 years, his employment included working in a management position at the Al Tech Specialty Steel Corporation in Watervliet, NY and in Trenton, PA. He proudly served his country in World War II as a sergeant in the 26^th Combat Engineer Group, 7^th Army European Theatre. A true Patriot, he asked his mother to sign a waiver to allow him to enlist prior to his age 18; his mother declined, but he was fortunate to be drafted the following year.

He is survived by his four children; Kim (John) Zurlo, Kristine (Mike) Newman, Brian (Lisa) McDonald, and Todd (Lisa) McDonald. He will be fondly remembered by his ten grandchildren; Kari (James)Lawson, Kristy (Ross) Smith, Jonathan, Jenna, Josh Newman, Katelyn (PJ) Ryan, Kara McDonald, and Kelly, Keegan and Jameson McDonald. He was also the great-grandfather to Emma and Matthew Lawson, Ryan and Payton Smith, and Charlotte Newman. He was the special "POPS" to Todd (Kimberly) and Kiya Conners. He is also survived by his sister Janet Matusie (the late Arthur). He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

John's family was the center of his life. He also enjoyed the summer vacations he spent on Cape Cod for the past 52 years creating many wonderful, lasting memories with his extended family and friends. John's quick wit, interest in science and engineering, as well as his humor were respected by his family. He was an avid gardener and took pride in his extensive rose garden.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Jack's life on Wednesday at 10:30 at the funeral home and at 11:00AM in the morning at Sacred Heart Church in Troy where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 4-7 PM at Bryce Funeral Home, Inc. located at 276 Pawling Avenue in Troy.

Interment will be at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville.

The family wishes to thank the staff of D4E of Albany Medical Center for all their care for Jack.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or Albany Medical Center Cancer and Blood Disorders Department.

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