Richard “Rick” Douglas MacDonald

Rick was born March 8, 1950 in Buffalo, son of the late Angus and Elna MacDonald. He was raised in the City of Tonawanda and graduated from Tonawanda High School in 1969. Following his high school graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving from 1969-1974. Rick was especially proud of being a U.S Navy Veteran. He worked as a metrologist for General Motors American Axle Plant in Town of Tonawanda from where he retired. Rick was a longtime resident of the Town of Tonawanda. Following his retirement from General Motors and upon moving to Cassadaga, New York in 2000, Rick began a second career as a school bus driver for the Cassadaga Valley School system. Rick’s outgoing and caring personality was a perfect fit for this job, which he truly enjoyed. Besides the love his family, he loved hunting, fishing, feeding the birds and living in the country with his wife Sandy and his dogs. A dedicated Vietnam Veteran, he enjoyed talking to fellow Veterans, especially those from past wars. He was active in numerous Veterans organizations including: Fredonia Memorial American Legion Post 59, where he was a dual member, as he was a member of the American Legion and the Sons of the American Legion, where he would sit in on their meetings as an advisor. He was Past Commander of the Cassadaga American Legion Post 1280; also a member of the Ellery VFW, Sugar Grove AM Vets, the Conservation Club, the First Ward Falcons Club, Fourth Ward Falcons Club, and the Moniuszko Club. Rick had a large extended family, many friends and engaging personality with a big heart to match. He will be missed by all that knew him.

Rick is survived by his wife, Sandra “Sandy” (Carmello) MacDonald; 3 children: Laurie (Kelly) MacDonald, Paul (Jill) MacDonald, and Lisa (Tristan) Turner: 4 step-children: Bryn (Karle) Bennett, Dylan (Danielle) Bennett, Loryn (Christian) Bennett and Rachyl (Eric) Krupa; 7 grandchildren: Hailey (Jason) Cutler, Charlotte and Victoria MacDonald, Logan and Nathan Turner, Mathieson and Dean Krupa; a great-granddaughter, Henley Cutler; 5 siblings: Kathy Minter, Mike (Nance) MacDonald, Dan (Nancy) MacDonald, Jeff MacDonald, and Pat (Jackie) MacDonald; sister-in-law, Peggy Guichard; 2 brothers-in-law: Steve Carmello (Colleen Quinn) and Allan (Missy) Carmello; also survived by several nieces and nephews; Besides his parents, Rick is predeceased by his brother, Neil MacDonald

Visitation will be Wednesday from 5-7pm at the LARSON-TIMKO Funeral Home, 20 Central Avenue, Fredonia. A Celebration of Rick’s Life will be held at the Fredonia Memorial American Legion Post 59, 156 E. Main St., Fredonia, Thursday at 4 pm. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorial contributions in Rick’s memory may be made to the VA WNY Medical Center, 3495 Bailey Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14215. Online condolences may be made at larsontimkofuneral home.com. Arrangements by David J. Dengler.