Born 2/12/1942 in Boston, MA to Kathleen and Edward McDonald.
Kenneth David McDonald of Needham, MA passed into God’s hands on Friday April 21, 2023. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 56 years, Karen F. McDonald. Ken was the proud father of 2 sons; Kenneth David McDonald Jr. and his wife Maria of Brookline, MA and Brian Edward McDonald and wife Teri of Norwood, MA.
He attended Sacred Heart School in Newton, Babson College one semester, graduated from Newton Jr. College and began his career.
He served as an Air Policeman with the Air National Guard Armed Forces of the United States: Nov. 1964 – Nov. 1970
He began in a training program with SS Pierce Co., Boston in 1964. Became a salesman for the south shore region of MA in 1965 – Sept. 1966. Oct 1966 he covered the western part of the state; Williamstown, Hampden & Berkshire counties until 1971, then Newton, Waltham, Watertown. Was #1 salesman for the SS Pierce Co. and later became a Supervisor, Assistant Sales Manager, then Sales Manager.
Ken was the cherished grandfather proudly referred to as Papa by William and Vivianna McDonald and Grampa by Caileigh (Jesse), Gavin and Anya McDonald. Ken is survived by his brother John McDonald, wife Donna of Port St. Lucie, FL. Ken was the son of the late Kathleen Elizabeth (Breen) McDonald and Edward James McDonald, Sr. and brother to the late Jean Ryan Waldron married to Mike, Edward J. McDonald married to Karen and Francis McDonald, married to Jane. Ken also had adoring nieces and nephews; Linda, Pam, Susan, Karen, Teri, Jay, Frank, Michael and Laura including their spouses and children.
Ken attended Sacred Heart School in Newton and graduated from Newton Jr. College. He proudly served in the United States Air Force as an Air Policeman with the Air National Guard Armed Forces from November 1964 – 1970.
Ken had a tremendous work ethic that was shared by his mother, father and siblings. He began a training program with the S.S. Pierce Co., in Boston in 1964. He became a salesman in the south shore region of the state, then Williamstown, Hampden & Berkshire counties until 1971. He then covered the territory of Newton, Waltham and Watertown. He became the top salesman in the territory of Newton, Waltham and Watertown. He became the top salesman for the organization working his way to Supervisor, Assistant Sales Manager training salesmen, then Sales Manager serving as President for 26 years.
He restarted his career at Central Square Printing Company in Cambridge, servicing large retail establishments throughout New England. His professional caret was marked by enduring friendships and lifelong connections that speak volumes to his commitment to doing business the right way. The relationships and trust Ken built were exemplified throughout his career. Ken was also an avid golfer and spent years devoted to a love of the game. A fierce competitor on the golf course, he enjoyed every aspect of the game.
Ken’s best friend and wife of 56 years, Karen, enjoyed a lifetime of devotion together, none more important than family. They would always provide a warm, loving home for their children, grandchildren, and countless friends. Ken took on the responsibility of house chef and baker. You would always be provided with a hearty meal or delicious dessert if you were to visit Ken and Karen. Eternally patient and full of wisdom, Ken always provided a pragmatic life perspective, coupled with a warm sense of humor that everyone that knew him would understand.
Visiting Hours will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 1305 Highland Ave., NEEDHAM, on Wednesday, April 26 from 4-7 pm. His Funeral will be held from the funeral home on Thursday, April 27 at 9 am, followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Bartholomew Church, Needham at 10 am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment in Newton Cemetery, Newton.