Obituary of Robert F. "Bob" McDonald

LINK to funeral mass

Due to technical difficulties, the funeral was not available as a live-stream.  However, you can view a recording of the funeral by clicking on the link (above).

Robert F. “Bob” McDonald, age 62, passed away unexpectedly following a brief illness on January 8, 2025, with his loving family by his side.  He was the beloved husband of Sharon DL. McDonald, with whom he had shared over 34 wonderful years of marriage.

Born in Waltham, MA on August 29, 1962, he was one of seven children of the late Walter and Helen (Forster) McDonald.  Bob was raised in Lexington and graduated from Lexington High School with the Class of 1981.  He then went on to work as a landscaper and wasted no time getting started on his own business.  Bob owned and operated RF McDonald Tree and Landscape for 40 years, and was deeply devoted to his craft and to his clients.  He ran a one-man operation, but his quality of care was unwavering.  Throughout the years customers were as loyal to him and he was to them, and they could always count on being taken care when Bob came by.   

In his free time, Bob’s love for taking care of others easily spilled from his work life to his personal life.  He came from an enormous family with deep-rooted values of compassion and generosity.  Bob embodied both of those things and then some, and would never think twice about lending a hand to his friends and family whenever they needed him.  His generosity with his time, knowledge, and funny quips is what Bob was known for.  If he could get there and if he could help, the answer was always going to be “yes”.  Bob also loved getting to spend some well earned down time catching up on his favorite sports teams, hunting and fishing, or just relaxing with his loving wife, children and grandchildren.  Above all else, Bob loved his family, including his precious dog Gracie.  His dedication to them knew no bounds, and he would take great care to make lasting memories with each of them.  Whether he was attending one of his children’s football, baseball, or lacrosse games, or squeezing in just a few more minutes of playtime with the grandkids, Bob always wanted to make sure he was a loving and supportive presence in their lives.   

Along with his dear wife Sharon, Bob is survived by his loving children, Timothy McDonald of Woburn, Jamie McDonald of Bedford, and Robert McDonald, Jr. of Bedford; his beloved grandchildren, Layla McDonald and Makai Ramos; his siblings, Elizabeth McDonald of Pepperell, Thomas McDonald of Greenville, NH, Walter “Butchy” McDonald and his wife Verla of Quincy, IL, Karen McDonald and her husband Mike of Townsend, James McDonald of Billerica, and Keith McDonald and his wife Michelle of Billerica; his mother and father-in-law, John F. Porter, Sr. of Billerica, and the late Janice Porter; his siblings-in-law, Michael Porter and his wife Julie of Bedford, John Porter of Boston, Christopher Porter of Billerica, Theresa Ferri and her husband Michael of Billerica, Nancy Cavanaugh and her husband David of Tampa, FL, and the late Thomas Porter and Lisa Porter, as well as many other dear nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.  

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation for Bob on Monday, January 13th from 4 pm until 7 pm at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington.  His Funeral Mass will begin at the Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 14th at 8:45 am, with a Funeral Mass to follow at 10 am at St. Michael’s Church, 90 Concord Rd., Beford.  Burial will immediately follow at Westview Cemetery, Lexington.  As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s honor may be made to The American Cancer Society.