MCDONALD, Robert Lee, MD

September 3, 1933 - January 19, 2015

Dr. Robert Lee McDonald (81) of Southbury, Connecticut passed away peacefully in his home on January 19, 2015, surrounded by his family after a long illness. He was the husband of Dorothy (Golden) McDonald.

He was born on September 3, 1933 in the Bronx, New York to the late William K. and Helen (Lee) McDonald. He graduated from the University of Rochester and New York Medical College.

He proudly served as a Senior Medical Officer in the United States Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (the Seabees). After his discharge, he settled in Roxbury, Connecticut where he practiced family medicine for 30 years. He was active on the medical staff of New Milford Hospital and served as Medical Examiner, school physician and Director of Health for Roxbury and surrounding towns. He was the Medical Director of Candlewood Valley Care Center in New Milford. He also served as Chairman of the Region 12 School Board in the 1970's.

After closing his practice in 1993, he became the Assistant Medical Director of the Connecticut Peer Review Organization. In 1996, he became the Medical Director of the Southbury Training School until his retirement in 2008.

He was active in the Catholic Church as a Eucharistic Minister and taught CCD. He was known for his love of learning, his amusing stories and his kindness.

He is survived by Dorothy, his wife of 54 years, their children Thomas W. McDonald and his wife Michele, Dr. Robert J. McDonald and his wife Sharon, Susan E. McDonald and Dr. James E. McDonald and his grandchildren Matthew, Luke, Elizabeth and Alicia. He is also survived by his brother, Kenneth McDonald, and sister, Gail McDonald as well as his extended family and friends that have meant so much to him over the years.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Dr. McDonald's name to: St. Jude's Childrens Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.

Cemetery: St. Patrick's

Location: Munson-Lovetere Southbury

Funeral: St. Rose of Lima Church

Services: A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on at 10: 00 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at St. Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Rd., in Newtown, CT. Burial in St. Patrick's Cemetery on Route 317 in Roxbury, CT.

Visitation: Calling Hours will be on from 6: 00 p.m. to 8: 00 p.m. on Friday, January 23, 2015 at the Southbury Funeral Home.