Obituary of Robert P. McDonald

Robert (Bob) Page McDonald, 77, a lifelong resident of Eastwood, New York, passed away with his wife by his side on July 25, 2023. 
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Kathleen McDonald; sons Shawn (Janet) McDonald, Scott (Valerie) McDonald; grandchildren Stephen (Meghan) McDonald, Matthew McDonald, Gavin McDonald, Emily McDonald, and Alaina McDonald; great grandchildren Bryson McDonald and Hunter McDonald; sister JoAnn (Dave) Parker; brothers William (Connie) McDonald and James (Peggy) McDonald as well as many special nieces and nephews. 
Bob was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Dorothy and great granddaughter, Lennon McDonald. Bob was a loving husband, brother, father, Papa, and friend to everyone he met.
Bob was a Navy Veteran serving in Vietnam from 1966 to 1970.  He was active duty aboard the USS MCKEAN.
Returning from Vietnam in the early 1970’s, he purchased the former Honalds grocery store he worked in as a young man. McDonald’s Grocery was formed and eventually became an Eastwood staple from 1970 to 1988.  
He was also a CSEA Union employee working for Syracuse Developmental Center and SUNY ESF for over 30 years.  He retired in 2006 from SUNY ESF.
Known to many around the CNY area, he brought smiles to thousands of children during the November and December Christmas season playing the part of Jolly Saint Nick. He spent over 25 years in many red Santa suits working to make the dreams of children and their parents a reality.  He had a gift of making everyone feel special, especially during the holiday season.
Bob enjoyed traveling with his wife, spending time at their home in Florida, at Camp on Sandy Pond and riding his jet skis all over the area.  He loved spending time with his grandchildren on the pond and watching them grow. 
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 31, 2023 from 3:00-6:00 PM at Goddard-Crandall-Shepardson Funeral Home at 3111 James Street, Syracuse. A private service for immediate family and friends will follow.
Online condolences, www.shepardsonfh.com.