Jack McDonald passed away peacefully at home in Wilton on Father’s Day, June 16, at the age of 89, surrounded by his loving family. Born on April 24, 1935, to John and Lillian McDonald (née Delaney) in Brooklyn, NY, Jack was raised in the local parishes of Brooklyn and Washington, DC, before attending St. Francis Preparatory School in Pennsylvania. The family eventually moved to the Bronx where Jack found his new home at Fordham University. Jack’s treasured time at Fordham began in the classroom studying the liberal arts and continued on the football field. He formed life-long friendships and connection to his beloved alma mater and earned eventual status as a “Golden Ram”. After leaving Fordham he met his future wife, Ann Brubaker, from neighboring Marymount College. As Dad would say countless times over his long life, “meeting and marrying your mother was like winning the lottery!” They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in November 2023.
Two boys, Jack (1964) & Peter (1967) were born in those early years in Scarsdale, NY. Then, young Kate (1970) arrived as a birthday present to Dad just before the family’s move to Wilton.
Professionally, Jack worked for 40 years as a sales executive in the metal packaging industry where he built a roster of loyal customers and colleagues who became lifelong friends. He found fulfillment outside of work as Pop Warner coach and ardent fan of countless football, lacrosse and field hockey games.
In retirement, he became an intrepid traveler, visiting each of the continents. He cherished his role as regular guest reader at HeadStart Program in Norwalk where he was known as Mr. Jack. He was also an active member of Our Lady of Fatima Church and frequent visitor and supporter of the Wilton YMCA, Wilton Library and many other local organizations.
Jack was a dedicated fan of the New York Football Giants. As a season ticket holder since 1957, he consistently rooted for his team attending many great games with his children, including two Super Bowls .
He is survived by his wife, Ann, children Jack (Deb), Peter (Beth) and Kate (Jeff), adoring grandchildren (chronologically) Ryan, Sean, Owen, Patrick, and Mary. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Magee Spencer and Judy Brubaker, many beloved nieces and nephews, extended family and countless loyal, loving friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 29, at 12:00 noon, at Our Lady of Fatima, 229 Danbury Road in Wilton with private interment to follow.
Donations in his honor can be made to Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Fairfield County.
