Robert Francis McDonald

Robert Francis McDonald, age 80, of Newark, Delaware, formerly of Gloucester, Massachusetts, died Thursday, June 15, 2023.

Robert graduated from Gloucester High School, Class of 1962, Gloucester, Mass. He attended several community colleges. He worked for Hercules Inc. in both Hopewell, Virginia and Wilmington, Delaware before retiring with SEPTA in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as a Design Draftsman. Robert was a US Navy Vietnam War veteran who honorably served aboard the USS Page County. He was a Scout Master for Boy Scouts of America in Hopewell, Virginia.

Robert was a faithful member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Hopewell, Virginia and Immanuel Episcopal Church on the Green in New Castle, Delaware. He was a bell ringer at Immanuel Episcopal Church on the Green and devoted his time to multiple church events to include the Immanuel Dining Room. He sang in the choir at both churches. He also enjoyed singing with the Song Birds as a member of the Senior Center of Newark.

Robert had a love for the railroad and volunteered his time and talents to the Wilmington Western Railroad.

Robert ”Bob” was a devoted husband, father “Daddy”, grandfather “Grampy” and friend to anyone he met. He was preceded in death by his parents, George D. McDonald and Florence L. (DeWinter) McDonald. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Caroline (Spanks) McDonald of Newark, DE; two daughters, Darlene McDonald of Newark, DE, Karen McDonald of Crofton, MD; son, Jason McDonald (Leigh Ann McDonald) of Bear, DE; brother, Brian McDonald (Faye McDonald) of Hopewell, VA; grandchildren, Megan Lawson (Theodosius Lawson) of King George, VA, Emily Rodriguez (Chris Rodriguez) of Disputanta, VA, Brandon Anderson, Jeremy McDonald, and Ashleigh McDonald of Bear, DE; great-grandchildren, Hannah and Constantina Lawson of King George, VA; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Friday June 23, 2023 from 6pm to 8 pm at Gebhart Funeral Home,  3401 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, Delaware 19703. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 11am at Immanuel Episcopal Church on the Green, 50 Market Street, New Castle, Delaware 19720. Burial will be at a later date in Beechbrook Cemetery, Gloucester, MA.

To offer condolences, please visit: 

Gebhartfuneralhomes.com

302.798.7726

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