Adam Wylie McDonald

Adam Wylie McDonald, age 88, died peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on February 23, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Adam was born on March 12, 1934 in Glasgow, Scotland, one of eleven children of Archibald and Christine McDonald. Adam met his future wife, Vera McLaughlin McDonald, in Glasgow and followed her to the United States. They married in Mamaroneck, New York on April 20, 1963. He soon after accepted a position at the Hudson Institute and was offered a home on the Institute’s 30 acre campus in Croton-on-Hudson, NY where he raised his family. The sprawling campus offered an idyllic setting for his children to explore and, as an avid golfer, his very own driving range.

He became a U.S. citizen in 1980 and proudly and regularly participated in elections as an expression of his ideals.

The family moved to Indianapolis, Indiana with the Hudson Institute in 1984 where he continued to work until his retirement in 1999. He spent his retirement years with family and friends, wintering in Belleair Bluffs, Florida, taking many trips home to Scotland to see family, cruises with friends, and enjoying golf and English Premiere and Scottish Premiership football games.

Adam had a rich life filled with friends who brought the whole family great joy and laughter. He befriended many fellow Scottish ex-pats and had the good fortune to reconnect with several friends from Glasgow who also immigrated to the US. He and Vera were known for hosting large afternoon gatherings lasted well into the night and featured a friend playing bagpipes. He also made many friends through the Scottish Society of Indianapolis.

Adam cherished his wife, daughters, grandchildren and sons-in law. He was always quick with a smile and a joke as well as a hug. He was known for his integrity, kindness, intellect, and wit and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Adam is survived by his wife of 59 years, Vera (McLaughlin); daughters Sharon, Christine (Peter Merante) and Sandy (Tom Hart); and his grandchildren Emily, Aidan, Katie, Matthew, and Tommy. He is also survived by many loved ones in Scotland and beyond, including his siblings Chrissy, Davey, Maggie, Mary, and Alexander; Vera’s sisters Mary and Patsy; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He is also survived by many dear friends who were like family to him, his wife and children.

Adam’s family is particularly grateful to those who provided excellent care to Adam in recent years including Angles, Kim, Lakeisha, Keisha, Stacey, Veronica, and Cheryl as well as extraordinarily kind neighbors Todd and Tina.

Visitation will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Parish on Saturday, March 11, 2023, 10:00 am – 11:00am with a mass immediately following. A reception will be held after the service at St. Pius X. All are welcome.

St. Pius X Catholic Parish, 7200 Sarto Drive Indianapolis, IN 46240.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity that is meaningful to you, a local animal shelter or organization that that brings peace and comfort to those they serve.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.feeneyhornakkeystone.com for the McDonald family.