Ronald McDonald, Sr.

Ronald McDonald, Sr., 85, passed away peacefully on Saturday August 29, 2026 after a brief illness.

He was born on October 23, 1940 in Nantucket, MA, to the late John J. and Mary Genevieve (Davis) McDonald. He graduated from Nantucket High School and Dean Junior College. Soon after, he married the love of his life, Joan Davis, and they shared 53 years of marriage, side by side, raising five children. After moving from Nantucket, they lived many years in Marion and Fairhaven, where they were communicants of St. Rita's/St. Anthony's and St. Joseph's Churches.

Ronald worked as a mason early in his career, but spent most of his working life in commercial fishing, with years as a respected captain of commercial scallop vessels, including the Guardian, for a time with his sons beside him. Being handed down a strong work ethic, when able, Ronald would work beside his crewmen on deck, in harsh conditions, repairing gear or assisting where needed, and was considered a valuable mentor. He made lifelong friendships and bonds, with some crew becoming like additional sons. After retiring from commercial fishing, he returned to masonry for a period, later working on the grounds keeping crew at Tabor Academy, and at the Marion Department of Public Works, where patrons enjoyed his friendly greeting, conversation, and some favorite jokes. He made lasting friendships wherever he worked, including with Tabor co-workers, staff and faculty and their families.

Ronald was a member of the Knights of Columbus, New Bedford Fishermen's Union, and the Marion Social Club. He enjoyed gardening alongside his wife, maintaining many gardens, a fish pond, and vegetable garden. Ronald enjoyed singing and was a member of his high school glee club and the church choir. He would often sing around the house, at work in the pilot house, and sang the Irish Wedding song at some family weddings. He always loved dancing, playing cribbage and whist, and time at the beach. A good cook, his fried dough was always a special family favorite.

Ronald was a devoted family man, with caring for his family always his greatest priority. His greatest joy came from spending time with his children and grandchildren. Attending activities and sports and always supportive behind the scenes. He shared in their accomplishments and milestones, filled with pride, and his eyes often welled with tears. He beamed at the birth of each new great-grandchild.

Ronald lived a life of friendship, kindness, and love. He cherished his family, time with friends and extended family, always genuine and making every holiday and gathering more special. To many who knew him, Ronald was a friendly, caring, and hard-working man, always with a smile and sharing his sense of humor, and always willing to lend a helping hand. He will be missed by many.

He is survived by his children, Ronald (Patricia) McDonald of Bridgewater, Kevin (Elizabeth) McDonald of Framingham, Cheryl (James) Morrell and Deborah (Stephen) Gonsalves, all of Marion, and Brian (Katie) McDonald of Clarence Center, NY; his 16 grandchildren, Patrick (Hillary), Brendan (Taylor), David, and Mary McDonald, Shannon (Daren) Tucker, Matthew (Ntanga) McDonald, Timothy (Madeline) McDonald, Colleen and Bridget McDonald, Lucas Morrell, Trevor McDonald, Toby and Hunter (Alisha Papadakis) Gonsalves, Alex and Emma Dunn, and Regan McDonald; and his 11 great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Evelyn, Mia, Liam, Owen, Molly, Maanda, William, Finley, Theo, and Rowen. In addition, Ronald is survived by his special companion, Sally Govoni, his brother Robert (Karen) McDonald, sister Genevieve (Reginald) Harmon, sisters-in-law Roberta McDonald, Nancy McDonald, Eleanor Davis, brother-in-law Raymond Novak, and many nieces, nephews, and special lifelong friends.

Ronald was predeceased by his wife, Joan, siblings and in-laws Mary and Jack Fee, Helen and James Cranston, Jeanette and Jackie Topham, John McDonald, Michael McDonald, and in-laws Margaret and Nelson Duarte, Elmer Davis, Edward and Sally Davis, Shirley Novak, and Robert Davis.

His funeral will be held on Saturday September 5th at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett, followed by his Funeral Mass at St. Anthony’s Church, Mattapoisett at 10 AM. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Marion. Visiting hours will be on Friday September 4th from 4-8 PM.