With a warm smile and a kind heart, Joseph Patrick “Pat” McDonald of Monaca lived a life rich in family and embraced everyone as a friend. His hugs and kisses were legendary. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, Pat was a powerful role model for all who were blessed to know him.
Pat passed away on Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at Rochester Manor surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Monaca on March 17, 1929, he was the eldest of three sons (Pat, Vincent and George) to Joseph and Agnes (Cronin) McDonald. He was a graduate of Monaca High School, class of 1947.
Pat’s adulthood began with proudly serving his country in the Korean Conflict. He represented the best of the U S as a sergeant stationed in Germany.
After safely returning home, Pat was blessed to marry the love of his life, Harriet G. Stillwagon on June 5, 1954. Together the couple created a loving home for their children Michael and Kathleen. Pat provided for his family through his work as a longtime business owner and operator of Pat’s Amoco. He retired in 1977 after affording the community with quality service and care for over 35 years. Not one to sit idle, he became a greeter at the Center Township Walmart for 14 years. His sunny personality was a perfect fit for the job.
Quick to give of his time and talents, Pat began coaching Monaca Midget Football in 1965 and became the first head coach for the newly created Mighty Mites Team for 10 years. During this time he served several terms as the team’s president and treasurer.. He was also a member of the Monaca Community Bowling League since 1966 and previously served as their president. He was a life member of the American Legion Post # 580, Monaca where he was awarded for his 50 years of membership and a life member of the Monaca Bandroom. A loyal Monaca sports fan, Pat bled Red and Blue. In 2008, Pat was inducted into the Monaca Hall of Fame for his charitable involvement in the community. Over the years, Pat and Harriet enjoyed trips to Niagara Falls, weekends at Conneaut Lake Park Hotel, Saturday night steak dinners at the former Didio’s Restaurant, and in their younger years, dancing to the tunes of Glenn Miller.
He will be sadly missed by his wife of 65 years, Harriett G. (Stillwagon) McDonald. He is survived by a son Michael (Deborah) McDonald, and a daughter Kathleen Spencer (Larry Short), six grandchildren; Justin (Rachelle), Jason (Pamela), Jonathan (Nicole), Joel (Kylee), John and Nicole Spencer, ten great grandchildren; Paige (Marcus), Max, Brooklyn, Shaelyn, Grace, Garen, Anne, Maggie, Emrys, and Michael, and a great great grandson, Quintin and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two brother George & Vincent McDonald.
Friends will be received on Monday, September 23, 2019 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, Tuesday, September 24, 2019 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca where services will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. with Pastor Ross Fichter , officiating followed by full military honors by the Beaver County Special Unit at 11:30 a.m. Private interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Aliquippa.
The family would like to thank Rochester Manor and staff on the third floor as well as Mother Teresa Hospice for their compassionate care given to Pat.
To share online condolences, get directions and other information, please visit simpsonfuneralhome.com.