Published in the February 29, 2016 edition.
WAKEFIELD — Thomas H. “Papa” McDonald, a lifelong resident of Wakefield, died at his home on Saturday, Feb. 27, following a brief illness. He was 99 years old.
Thomas was born in Wakefield, Feb. 24, 1917. He was the son of the late Thomas H. and Ann (Foley) McDonald.
Thomas was a graduate of Wakefield High School Class of 1934. He served under General George Patton and was a participant in the Invasion of Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge and was the last living European Tour Veteran of Wakefield. He retired from General Electric Jet Engines in Everett, where he was a sheet metal worker for many years.
Thomas was the beloved husband of the late Mary R. (Shea) McDonald. He was the loving father of Patricia A. Hallinan and her husband Stephen of Melrose, Thomas H. McDonald, Maryrose Tarr and her husband Wayne and Lois Nikitin and her husband Stephen, all of Wakefield. He was the brother of Jackie McDonald, Anna Holmes, Shirley DeCastro and Jeanette Tracy, all of New Jersey, and the late Richard McDonald and Mary Dulong. He was the grandfather of Stacey, Wayne, Nicole, Michael, Christopher, John, Keith and Shelby. He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and longtime friend Renee Ramsdell of Wakefield. He was preceded in death by one great-grandchild and his Foster son John Keenan.
His funeral will be held from the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Thursday, March 3 at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass in The Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield at 10 a.m. Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday from 3-7 p.m. Interment will take place at Forest Glade Cemetery in Wakefield.
