Leo J. McDonald, 89, of Lewiston, NY, passed away on August 1, 2021.  He was the son of the late Michael and Marie Alvina "Mimi" (Maillet) McDonald; the beloved husband of 54 years to the late Geraldine "Gerry" P. McDonald; dear father of Michael (Anne) McDonald, Leo (Cindy) McDonald and Mary Jo Eutsler; devoted grandfather of Michele, Michael Jr. (Mary Fran) and Megan (Ryan) Merrifield, and Riley Eutsler. He is also survived by a loving brother, Joseph D. (Beatrice) McDonald and two sisters Corrine (late George) DuFault and Viola (late Percy) Packard.  He was predeceased by a sister Muriel (late Lubo) Vondra.  He is also survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Sam (Carol) Fruscione, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Leo graduated from Gardner High School in Gardner, MA in 1951 and attended Erie Community College.  He worked for National Fuel Gas as a service man for 35 years and retired in 1990.  He also worked for many years as a Night Manager at Tops Markets in Lewiston, NY.  He proudly served in the United States Air Force as an Electrician from 1952 to 1956 and was a long-time member of St. John de LaSalle Church in Niagara Falls, NY, and most recently St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church in Lewiston, NY.

At the end of his enlisted career, he met the love of his life, Gerry, in Niagara Falls, NY, while on a blind date.  Leo and Gerry were married at St. Joseph's Church in Niagara Falls on August 16th, 1958 and soon after adopted their three children.  Their summers were spent camping and traveling to see family members, and winters were spent driving their children to sporting activities, music lessons and Sunday dinners at his in-law's house, Sam and Mary Fruscione.   Leo spent many years as a Scout Master for Troop 841, coaching baseball for LaSalle Little League and attending his son Leo's concerts and Daughter Mary Jo's cheerleading events.  Leo also enjoyed his Wednesday night bowling league with Sam Fruscione, Ralph Meranto, Frank Mulley and Dennis DiLeonardo.

He was very proud of his children's accomplishments, but the twinkle in his blue Irish eyes was for his grandchildren.  From the moment they were born, Leo was a devoted Papa.  Not a moment went by that he wasn't picking them up from school so he could hold their hands and sing songs with them like Johnny Verbeck and Bicycle built for Two.  Leo and Gerry also loved their annual 3-month long trips to Titusville, FL where they would play Canasta and spend time with their Grandson Riley.  He adored all of his grandchildren and took great pleasure in spoiling them.

Finally, Leo was a vocal New England Patriots and Tom Brady fan.  He stuck with his team over the years and truly enjoyed their most recent success as 6-time Super Bowl Champions.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Peter's Church, 620 Center Street, Lewiston, NY, on Saturday August 7th at 10:00 AM.  PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH starting at 9:15 am where the family will be greeting everyone who attends the service. Entombment with Military Honors will be held in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY following the mass.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Father Baker Victory Services in Lackawanna, NY, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.  Arrangements were made under the care and guidance of John Colucci from the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL.  Visit www.mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online guest register.