Harold Matthews McDonald's Obituary
Harold Matthews McDonald Jr. 86, passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 12, 2015 at Sunrise Senior Living, Annapolis MD.
Harold was born May 14, 1929 in Washington DC. He resided in Riverdale MD, Beltsville MD and Port Republic MD prior to moving to Heritage Harbor, Annapolis MD. He worked at the National Radio Institute for several years, performing tasks in the laboratory and assisted with the building of the first television set. The TV set provided actual hands on experience and, combined with the lesson plans, the students at the school learned all aspects of Radio and TV electronics. Harold was also employed briefly with the DC Government, Department of Sanitary Engineering (Blue Plains Wastewater Plant) before joining the DC Fire Department. He was a firefighter from Oct. 29, 1956 attaining the rank of Sergeant until his retirement as Lieutenant Mar 1, 1978.
In retirement Harold and his wife Joan enjoyed their home and boating on the water in Port Republic, and their travels to Germany, Hawaii, France, Belgium, London and Alaska. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family in 2000 in Annapolis. Harold was a Member of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 36. He was active in bowling and horseshoe clubs in his community of Heritage Harbor, Annapolis and enjoyed gatherings with his retired firefighter friends.
Harold was preceded in death by his wife Joan Ann Burnett McDonald, whom he married July 28, 1950, Granddaughter Jeannette Marie Whitcraft, and Brother William Paul McDonald. Harold leaves behind 4 children: Sharon McDonald Wellens and husband Harry, Monrovia MD; Harold Matthews McDonald III and wife Kathie, Wesley Chapel FL; Steven Lee McDonald and wife Susan, Davidsonville MD; and Robert Wayne McDonald and wife Terri, Bluffton SC. Harold leaves grandchildren Ashlea and Morgan McDonald, Cheryl Simmons, and Kelsey Lee and Kristen Shaw and 2 great-grandchildren Kayla and Preston.
The family would like to thank the staff at Sunrise Senior Living, Chesapeake Palliative Medicine and Hospice of the Chesapeake in Annapolis MD for providing comfort and support during Harold’s care.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, October 23, 2015 at 11am at Lakemont Memorial Gardens, 900 W. Central Ave. Davidsonville, MD 21035.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Highway Pasadena, MD 21122.
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