Mail carrier worked in Winchester
Published in the February 12, 2016 edition
MELROSE — Eugene J. McDonald, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully at Bear Hill Nursing Center on Monday, Feb. 8, at age 76.
Born in Medford on July 27, 1939, Eugene was one of four children of the late Walter D. and Caroline P. (Jones) McDonald. After his graduation from Medford High School, he proudly served his country in the 65th Artillery of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. He returned home with an honorable discharge and was married on Oct. 22, 1966 to Elaine L. Donnelly. They settled in Melrose to raise two sons and a daughter. He always remembered his Medford roots and his several longtime friends from high school.
Eugene devoted his working career to the town of Winchester as a local mail carrier. Working in the same community for 30 years, Eugene became a part of the neighborhood and made personal connections with many residents along his route. He was appreciated for his diligence on the job and caring attitude for the neighborhood. Over the years, he made many residents his friends and never hesitated to lend a hand or share a quick story. He was prideful in his work and was thankful of the years of service he was able to provide. After 30 years of walking the route, he was recognized with a retirement party thanking him for serving the community so well. Through his connections in Winchester, he was a longtime active member of the local Sons of Italy. After making retirement age, Eugene stayed busy with a part-time job working for Giragosian Funeral Home in Watertown.
In his personal time, Eugene enjoyed taking care of the house, taking walks with “Cleo” his Bassett hound, cooking and learning about history on the computer. At home, he enjoyed catching a Red Sox game or college football game with his family and loved watching the old black and white movies from the ‘40s and ‘50s. He had a great mind for statistics and could rattle off player stats and movie names or actors with ease. Eugene was a respectful, patriotic man, who loved his family, a good suit and a good meal. He will be lovingly remembered by his family and friends.
He was the beloved husband of Elaine L. (Donnelly) McDonald, with whom he shared nearly 50 years of marriage. He was the devoted father of Jeffrey C. McDonald and his companion Laurie Frank of Melrose; Janine M. Howes and her husband Matthew of Charlotte, N.C. and Scott J. McDonald and his wife Kimberly of Wakefield. He was the dear brother of the late Walter F. McDonald, Clare M. Tomeo and Richard A. McDonald. He was the cherished grandfather of Connor, Rory, Sulilvan, Ben and Jack. He was also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends will gather in honor and remembrance of Gene’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Friday, Feb. 12 from 4-7 p.m., and again on Saturday at 9 a.m. before leaving in procession to Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield for his Funeral Mass celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment in Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield. Gifts in memory of Gene may be made to New England Basset Hound Rescue, PO Box 321, Rutland MA 01543, or to Northeast Arc, 64 Holten St., Danvers MA 01923. For online tribute or directions visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
