Joseph

Joseph Joe McDonald 2018

Joseph M. “Joe” McDonald, former principal of Pickering Jr. High School and father of eight, peacefully passed away on Monday, June 18, 2018, at the age of 89. He was the son of the late Martin and Esther (Cannon) McDonald. McDonald was raised in Lynn and was a graduate of Lynn English High School. At the end of WWII he served as a fireman first class on board the USS Valley Forge in the Pacific. A proud “double viking”, he earned both his Bachelors and Master’s Degrees in Education from Salem State. His teaching vocation began with five years in California, followed by the Ford and Ingalls Schools before his appointment to vice principal and then principal of Pickering Jr. High School, from 1962-1985. While at Pickering he established the first classroom for children with special needs, the first varsity athletic program for girls, hired the school’s first full time librarian, and began the first drama club. He served as President of the Teachers Association in both California and Lynn. Joe attended Mass daily at St. Pius V Parish for decades and volunteered for St. Vincent de Paul. For 18 years in retirement, he volunteered weekly with his wife Elaine at the St. Mary’s Food Pantry and worked as a crossing guard in front of St. Pius V, where he continued his commitment to children, by learning Spanish phrases to be able to welcome every child who crossed the street. He leaves his beloved wife, Elaine (Hammerstrom) McDonald, with whom he shared 64 years of marriage in faith and joyful service together, their last decade as residents of Nahant, after most of their decades together in Lynn. He also leaves his eight children and their spouses: Maureen Berger of Lynn; Marilyn McDonald and John Cole of Vermont, Carolyn and Jack Burkhardt of Lynn; Brenda McDonald and Matt Vallis of Melrose; Barbara Cavanaugh and Billy Trahant of Swampscott; Lorraine and David Errico of Winchester; Bill McDonald and Elaine D’Amato of Lynnfield; Kathleen McDonald and Bill Ewing of Salem; six grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He is the brother of Ruth Wilkinson and her husband Thomas of Ogunquit and the late Mary Gardner of Lynn. His Funeral will be held on Friday, June 22, 2018 from the SOLIMINE FUNERAL HOME, 67 Ocean St. (Rt.1A), Lynn at 8:30a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Pius V Church at 9:30a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours will be on Thursday from 4-8p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Vincent de Paul, 215 Maple St., Lynn, MA 01904. To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Joseph McDonald, please visit our Tribute Store.

Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Joseph Joe McDonald 2018. Solimine Funeral Homes

Death notice for the town of: Lynn, state: Massachusetts

death notice Joseph Joe McDonald 2018

obituary notice Joseph Joe McDonald 2018

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