Milton C McDonald Jr.

Longtime Stratford resident Milton C. McDonald, Jr., most recently of Monroe, died March 14, 2015 after a brief illness. He was 88. The son of Milton and Miriam (Turner) McDonald, he was born October 18, 1926, and grew up in Bridgeport, Connecticut. As a boy he lived on E. Main Street and Noble Avenue. He attended Beardsley School and Harding High School prior to reporting, during World War II, for a military induction physical. After his diagnosis with and recovery from tuberculosis, he graduated from the University School and the University of Bridgeport with majors in economics and industrial relations and a minor in history. After serving as executive director of the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce and executive secretary of the Bridgeport Master Plumber's Association, he supervised sales at DeFrank & Sons in New Haven. He enjoyed a retirement that spanned more than 30 years. Often seen riding his bicycle and walking around Stratford, he swam at the YMCA, socialized at the Baldwin Center, attended town meetings, and visited the Stratford Library where, for a while, considerate staff posted a sign reserving "Mack's chair." Since suffering a stroke in 2008 he has resided in Monroe. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Christine McDonald of Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York, and his grandchildren Jefferson and Grace. He is also survived by his dear friend and partner of 19 years, Laura Corinne Barnaby, of Monroe, and her son, John, and daughter-in-law, Cheryl, of Woodbury. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, March 19th at 10:00 am at St. Stephen Catholic Church 6948 Main Street Trumbull. Interment will follow in St. Michael Cemetery 2205 Stratford Ave. Stratford. Friends may visit Wednesday, March 18th from 5 to 7 PM at the Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home 315 Monroe Turnpike Monroe. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.spadaccinofuneralhome.com