1937 – 2015

WARNER, N.H. — Joseph A. McDonald, 78, West Lebanon, N.H., formerly of Rumford, husband of Julie Irish McDonald, passed away Thursday, June 4, in Warner, N.H. after a valiant battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Joe was born March 8, 1937, in Mexico, to Delia (Rodrique) and John McDonald Sr.

A 1954 graduate of Mexico High School, he served in the U.S. Air Force. Joe also graduated from the Ohio University at Athens with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and from Troy State University with a master’s degree in business management.

Joe enjoyed an illustrious career with SIG, Ltd., Sheffield, England, as managing sales director.

After returning to his Maine roots, Joe became a member of Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship, the Greater Rumford Area Historical Society, and the BPOE. He also served as the volunteer coordinator for Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice and volunteered for the Oxford County Democrats.

Joe’s unmatched wit, tremendous sense of humor and endearing friendships will be missed by the innumerable lives he touched throughout his life. He was co-adventurer with Julie exploring the far reaches of the world and proud to have visited every continent. Passionate about his family, the New England Patriots, books, and pets, Joe liked to refer to a quote of Nelson Mandela’s “One the most serious mistakes at my age are to wake up without a program for the day.”

Survivors include his wife, Julie; daughter, Mitzi and Christopher Copeland, Long Island City, N.Y.; stepdaughter, Jennifer and Kurt Gantrish, Hanover, N.H.; stepson, Torrey and Suzanne Viger, Enfield, N.H.; grandson, Jake Copeland, Brooklyn, N.Y.; stepgrandsons, Keegan, Liam, Benjamin, Nolan and Mason Gantrish, Hanover, N.H.; sisters, Jeanette McDonald, Mexico, and Joyce Radcliff, North Ft. Myers, Fla.; brothers, Danny and Gladys McDonald and Stevie and Jane McDonald of Rumford; and his “best buddy,” Jim Drapeau of Mexico.

Joe was predeceased by his first wife, June Elson McDonald; parents; brothers, John McDonald Jr. and Teddy McDonald; and stepson, Scott Lewis Viger.

To view an online memorial or send a message of condolence to the family, please visit www.rand-wilson.com.