John B. McDonald Jr., 81, of Middletown, passed away unexpectedly at home Oct. 8, 2024. He was born in Rockville Centre, New York, and lived in Middletown since 1973.
John graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in 1964 and went on to proudly serve his country as a commander in the U.S. Navy. He earned his law degree from the New York School of Law in 1969. John practiced as an attorney and was a partner in the law firm Stockschlaeder, McDonald and Sules, PC in New York City. After retirement, he continued to help others with their legal needs.
John was a devout Catholic and a faithful parishioner of St. Mary’s Church in Middletown. He was a talented storyteller and always had someone’s attention anywhere he went. John loved making people laugh and enjoyed debating with others on hot topics. He loved all animals and being by the water. His greatest joys were his family and the love of his life, his wife Vera.
Surviving are his beloved wife of 57 years, Vera L. McDonald; two daughters, Vera A. McDonald and Christine (Randy) Kornberg; two granddaughters, Hailey and Kylee Kornberg; brother Christopher McDonald; nephew Christopher (Barbara) McDonald; niece Coleen (Peter) Sherman; and seven great-nephews and nieces, Christopher, Megan, Erin, Kaitlyn, Emma, Liam and Sarah.
John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Eleanor McDonald, and his brother Gregory McDonald.
Visitation was held Oct. 13 at John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown. A funeral liturgy was offered Oct. 14 at St. Mary’s Church, Middletown.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in John’s name to the Monmouth County SPCA at monmouthcountyspca.org or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.
The article originally appeared in the October 31 – November 6, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
