Donald J. McDonell Obituary in Rockland at Magoun-Biggins

Obituaries

Donald J. McDonell

10/17/1932 - 07/04/2013

Obituary For Donald J. McDonell

Donald J. McDonell, 80 of Rockland died on July 4, 2013 at the Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital after a period of failing health. He was born in South Bend, Indiana son of the late Joseph and Sophie (Michalski) McDonell and was raised and educated there.

Mr. McDonell served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Leyte. After his discharge he settled in E. Boston where he met and fell in love with his wife of 57 years, Shirley M. (Thibeau) McDonell. They moved to Rockland in 1965.

Don had been employed for twenty years as a Technical Writer at Raytheon in Burlington where among other things he worked on the development of the Patriot Missile.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Joseph R. McDonell of Berkley, Stephen M. McDonell of Foxboro and Susan G. Buckley of Rockland. His grandchildren Kellie Robinson, Kristen McDonell, Ryan McDonell, Erin Buckley and Kathryn Buckley and his great grandchildren Jason, Riley and Shawn Robinson. The family welcomes friends and loved ones to celebrate his life on Monday, July 8, 2013 from 5:00-8:00 PM in the Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home 135 Union St. Rockland. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday July 9, 2013 at 9:00 AM in Holy Family Church. Burial with Military Honors will follow in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. Donations in his memory may be made to the Rockland DAV, 20 Church St. Rockland, MA 02370.

Services

8 Jul

Visitation

17:00 PM - 20:00 PM

Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home 135 Union Street Rockland, MA 02370 Get Directions »

9 Jul

Mass of Christian Burial

09:00 AM

Holy Family Church 403 Union St. Rockland, MA 02370 Get Directions »

9 Jul

Interment with Military Honors

12:30 PM

Massachusetts National Cemetery Connery Avenue Bourne, MA 02532 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

05/25/2021

Cari Ciano and family

Thinking and praying for you all. May you find comfort in your memories.
05/25/2021

Julie & Chris Flaherty

To: The McDonell Family, Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your lossâ€¦our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
05/25/2021

Erin Buckley

I miss you a lot Grampy! I know you are not suffering anymore and you are in peace. I love you so much and I will see you again someday.
05/25/2021

Carol Bird Lagana

My sincere love and symapthy goes to the entire McDonell family! God bless you all! Sue, I know your Dad is safe, at peace, and maybe hanging out with my Dad that is up there, too...two Navy guys...having a beer and telling old stories...
05/25/2021

Lorraine McDonell

Dad, you were truly an amazing father and so admired and loved! I am so very fortunate to be a part of your family and very blessed to have had you for a dad. You have gone to be with God and are now healthy again and I know in my heart you will always watch over us! I pray you know how much I love you. God bless, I will always carry you in my heart.
05/25/2021

Stephen McDonell

Dad, As much as I needed you to stay, I know it was time for you to leave. As hard as it is not having you here, you will always be with me in my heart. There aren't enough words to tell you how much you mean to me and how much I'm going to miss you. I hope I always made you proud and thanks for being my Dad. Please know that every night when I turn off the lights, I'll be thinking of you. I love you, Rest in peace.
05/25/2021

Gwen (McDonell) Edmondson

We are deeply saddened to hear about Uncle Don's passing. We send our love and prayers to your family.
05/25/2021

Susan Buckley

Rest in peace, Dad! I know your pain is gone and your memories are restored. You will always be remembered with a smile and a warm heart. I love you!
05/25/2021

Laurie & Seamus Slinger

Sue my thoughts and prayers are with you and you whole family. May your Dad rest in peace.
05/25/2021

Katy Buckley

I love you Grampy! I will miss you so much and I will keep Grammy company. I love you! Love, Katy
05/25/2021

Peggy Rogers

The McDonell family in South Bend, Indiana sends their love and prayers to Aunt Shirley, cousins Joe, Steve and Susan. Our families have shared many great moments through the years. We will miss Uncle Don. (Peggy Rogers)