Ronald F. McDonald

WINSLOW – Ronald F. McDonald, 85, passed peacefully with his family all by his side on July 29, 2024.

He was born on February 21, 1939, to Marion Drew McDonald in Unity. Soon after moving to Belfast, he excelled in sports. He spent summers working on his Uncle Roger’s farm in Freedom. He graduated in 1959 and enlisted in the United States Air Force as part of the Airbourne Rescue. He loved being stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska and spoke about it often.

He met his wife, Shirley Cummings, on a blind date, and they married on September 1, 1962, in Fairfield. This year would have been their 62nd anniversary.

Dad loved people, a good joke, baking apple pies, whoopie pies and biscuits, and a round of golf with his friends and family. He became a maintenance supervisor for Scott Paper and later, Kimberly Clark. After his retirement, Dad drove a limousine for Northeast Limo, finding particular gratification in driving kids for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Dad’s humor, jokes, and presence will be missed.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley McDonald, four daughters and their spouses, Kelly Lint (George), Lisa Lang (Denis), Ronda Chasse (Gerry), and Stacy Wright (Tim); eight grandchildren, who meant the world to him, Jessica Murray, Crystal Gosselin (spouse Warren), Tyler Lang, Lauren Reeve (spouse Howard), Brandon Chasse, Nicholas Chasse (spouse Erin), Alyssa Wright, and Abby Wright; and three great granddaughters, Camryn Gosselin, Callie Gosselin and baby Charlotte due in October. He is also survived by brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ken and Marty Dionne, brother-in-law, Tom Cummings, and many nieces and nephews. We want to send a special thank you to our sister, Stacy Wright and husband, Tim! They are truly our family angels for the care given to Dad. Also, a special thank you to Sean Currie for all you have done over the years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John the Baptist Church, 26 Monument Street, Winslow on Friday, August 9th at 10:00 am, followed by a burial at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove Street, Waterville. Afterwards, we welcome family and friends to join us for a celebration of life and light food and refreshments at the Winslow VFW, 175 Veteran Drive, Winslow. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com. Dad, You left us beautiful memories. Your love is still our guide, and though we cannot see you, you will always be by our side.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Make-A-Wish America, 1702 E. Highland Ave., Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85016, or St. John’s Food Pantry, C/O Corpus Christi Parish, 17 S. Garand Street,

Winslow, ME 04901.