Kevin Michael McDonald, 61, passed peacefully at his home in Gales Ferry, CT. on Tuesday, April 25, 2017.
Twenty two years ago Kevin took on the formidable task of being father to five children when he married his wife, Brenda. He managed to maintain his sobriety of twenty three years while being “dad”, in every sense of the word, to Andrew (who pre-deceased his step dad August 2011), Lawrence, Joshua, Stephanie and Adanna. Their union was strengthened by the birth of his son, and only child, Kevin, who was the light of his life. He was very proud of all his children and worked to instill virtues in his children.

Kevin was born in Groton CT., the son of Bernice (Bernard) and Gilbert McDonald. Both his parents passed early in his life and his was raised by his grandparents and his aunt, Linda (Bernard) Sangermano. He is survived by his sister, Karen Brearley and brother-in-law, David, of Chula Vista, CA., his brother, Randy, and his wife, Dawn, of Sebring, Ohio, and his brother, Michael and his wife, Leonor, of Poteet, Texas. He is also survived by two nieces, Miranda and Maggie McDonald, his cousin Tracy Zak and her children, and many close friends and family.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army until his Honorable Discharge in 1979. After leaving the service he travelled to California and spent time with his father before his father’s passing. He returned to Connecticut and worked for the TVCCA Homeless Shelter for a few years. He worked as a custodian for the Norwich inn & Spa and for the Thames River Family Program before beginning a long career as a custodian for the Ledyard Public Schools, where he remained until his retirement. He was known at the schools as “Mr. Kevin” and enjoyed his time working there.

Kevin enjoyed his life and enjoyed the quiet, simple things. He enjoyed reading, fishing, and caring for his family. In respect to his quiet, simple demeanor calling hours will be from 4pm to 6pm, Monday, May 1, 2017 at the Cummings-Gagne Funeral Home, 82 Cliff Street, Norwich. This will be immediately followed by a reception and a Celebration of his Life to be held the family’s home, 5 Tanager Lane, Gales Ferry. All friends and family are welcome.