William W. McDonald, Jr.

December 12, 1926 - March 17, 2016

William W. McDonald Jr., 89, of Hamden, CT died peacefully, surrounded by family, on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2016. Bill was born on December 12, 1926, in New Haven, Connecticut, the son of William W. McDonald, Sr. and Frances Marsh McDonald. He was a devoted husband, father, brother and friend and was well-loved for his sense of humor and caring, sensitive nature. A graduate of Hamden High School class of 1945, Bill was a veteran of WWII and served as an Army clerk in the Philippines. He returned to the States where he graduated from UConn with a BS in Business and life-long friendships with his fraternity brothers of Alpha Gamma Rho. After college, Bill made a name for himself as an affable and trustworthy salesman for Moran Brush Company and dozens of other industrial supply companies. He was always ready with a quick joke and made friends wherever he went. Bill was an avid sailor who, along with some of his best college pals, sailed a 3-masted sloop called the Widgeon where they spent weekends day-sailing off the waters of Branford. He was a skilled model maker and enjoyed collecting matchbox cars, coins, and maritime memorabilia. Bill garnered many compliments for his beautiful singing voice and maintained a passion for singing barbershop throughout his long life. He was also an enthusiastic sports fan, and loved reading, action movies and travel. Survivors include his wife Diane Johnson McDonald of 26 years and three children from his first marriage to Shirley Ahern McDonald: William W. McDonald, III of North Haven, Roy T. McDonald of Darien and Claudia M. O’Connell of Durham, CT. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, four nieces, and several step children and step grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sister Barbara McDonald Drinkwater. A Celebration of his life will be held Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in Sisk Brothers Funeral Home 3105 Whitney Ave. Hamden. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4:30 until time of service. In lieu of flowers contributions to the American Lung Association 45 Ash St., East Hartford, CT. 06108. To leave an online condolence please visit www.siskbrothers.com