John Randall McDonnell's Obituary
John Randall McDonnell, Sr. died peacefully at home on Saturday, January 8, 2011 at age 89 after a brief illness. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol. "Mac" was born on July 24, 1921 in Oakland, CA to Charlotte and Louis McDonnell. He was the fourth of six children. He spent his boyhood outside Valley Ford, CA on various family ranches and was always a 'country boy' at heart. He was proud of his Irish heritage and the fact that each of his grandparents had immigrated to California from various parts of Ireland. In his teens, Mac moved with his family to Oakland, CA. He graduated from Oakland Technical High School in 1939. He married Carol Jean VanKeuren on July 31, 1942 . During World War II, Mac served in the Army with the 535th Antiaircraft Battalion, and participated in the D-Day invasion. After the war, Mac and Carol moved to San Leandro settling in to raise their family in the Washington Manor neighborhood. He worked for the Del Monte Corp. in the Printing Division for over 30 years. During his retirement years, he took many out-of-state road trips visiting family and friends. He enjoyed reading, gardening and walks around the San Leandro Marina. His life always revolved around his family. He leaves four children, John McDonnell,Jr., Bonnie (Bill) Brewer, Nancy (Doyle) Garrett, and Charlotte (George) Wachtel. His eight grandchildren include Rachelle, Robert (Stacy), Janelle (Chuck), Cyndi, James (Joella), Ginger, Bud and Geory (Amy). Eleven great-grandchildren who called him "Great" are Nicole, Brittney, Kevin, Ian, Donovan, Jori Rae, Jaylee, C.J., Meadow, Paeton and Hayden. He will be dearly missed by all. Services will be held at: Chapel of the Chimes Julia Morgan Chapel 4499 Piedmont Ave. Oakland, CA www.lifemarkgroup.com Visitation: Thursday, January 13, 4-8 PM Sevices: Friday, January 14, 1 PM Memorial donations may be sent to: Angels Hospice 731 A St., Suite 207 Hayward, Ca 94541Tomales Regional History Center P.O. Box 262, Tomales, Ca 4971
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