Martin Raymond “General” McDonald, 82, of Avoca, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family. Born in Minooka on April 7, 1942, Ray was the son of the late Raymond M. and Irene (Timoney) McDonald.
Ray was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Dupont and was a proud graduate of Avoca High School, Class of 1960. Following high school, Ray honorably served in the U.S. Navy from 1961-1963. He later dedicated many years to the Avoca Borough Police Department as an officer. A hardworking and well-respected businessman, he was the owner and operator of Ray’s Quality Meat Market in Avoca and managed several area meat departments throughout his career.
In his younger years, Ray enjoyed coaching his sons and serving as the coach of the Duryea Wildcats. A devoted Notre Dame football fan, he also found great joy in music and was an avid collector of vinyl records, tapes, and CD’s. He was also a member of the Ancient Order of The Hibernians in Avoca and the American Legion Post 607, Avoca.
In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Williams.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Theresa (Starzec) McDonald; his children, Theresa Georgetti and husband Allan of Plains, Donna Napkora and husband Frank of Hughestown, Michele Kocher of Ashley, Marty McDonald of Swoyersville, Maura McDonald and companion Kevin Richards of Avoca, Raymond Andrew McDonald of Scranton, Julie Wilson and her husband Brian of Dupont, Michael McDonald of Avoca and Matthew McDonald of Avoca. Ray was a proud grandfather to Frankie, Jessie, Danielle, Breanne, Nicole, Michael, Madyson, Taylor, Patrick and Emily, and his great-grandchildren, Colton and Dean. He is also survived by his sisters, Patricia Clifford and Theresa McDonald of Avoca, along with many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the SPCA of Luzerne County, 524 E. Main St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
A mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, March 28th at 10:00am at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 215 Lackawanna Ave., Dupont, with Fr. Thomas Petro officiating. Friends may call for visitation on Friday morning in the Narthex of Sacred Heart Of Jesus Church from 9:00am until time of mass. The Family requests that attendees where the color green in honor of Ray.
Interment will be held at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cemetery Columbarium. The AMVETS Honor Guard of Greater Pittston will provide military honors.
Arrangements are made by Kiesinger Funeral Services, Inc., 255 McAlpine St., Duryea.
Dear Theresa and family, please know that all of you are in our prayers during this difficult time. Ray was my second Father and we remained friends until the very end. He was a wonderful person, Father, Husband, and friend. I will always be greatful for you and Ray and the friend both of you were to me when I was very young. God bless all of you .
Mark George