Donald Macdonald

Macdonald, Donald, Col. USAF Ret.

With deep sorrow, we share the passing of Donald Macdonald, aged 93, beloved husband of the late Betty Jo Macdonald (Smith). Don passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Don is survived by his daughters, Kathy Whalen (Jim), Lynn Rivers (Tom Derion) and Janis Koshgarian; his grandchildren, Erica Rivers, Jim Whalen (Tristine Ellis), Lindsey Whalen Duclos (Tom), Lauren Koshgarian Aguera (Luke) and Alexander Koshgarian. He is also survived by several beloved great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Ann Macdonald Hoag, his son David Macdonald, his son in-law Robert Koshgarian, his son-in-law Jeffrey Rivers and his grandson Shawn Rivers.

Don was born on May 7, 1931, in Kearney, NJ, to Finley and Selina (Kyle) Macdonald. Raised in Davenport Center, NY, he graduated from Delaware Academy and Central High School in 1948. He later attended Maryville College in Tennessee, but his education was interrupted in September 1951 when he enlisted in the United States Air Force to undergo pilot training amid the rising tensions of the Korean conflict. As a commissioned fighter pilot, he flew the F-80 Shooting Star and the F-86 Sabre Jet, completing missions in Korea, Japan, and Washington State.

After concluding his active duty with the Air Force in 1956, Don went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in microbiology from Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY. He then settled in Slingerlands, NY, where he raised his family. Don later joined the 139th Tactical Airlift Squadron of the New York State Air National Guard in Schenectady, NY, where he transitioned to flying the Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter. Throughout his career, he was fortunate to travel the world, retiring after 30 years of service in both the USAF and ANG. A career highlight for Don was flying the ski-equipped Lockheed LC-130 Hercules, resupplying the “DES line” on the Greenland ice cap.

Don was a devoted husband and father, always making time for his family and friends, no matter how busy life got. His many interests included coaching sports teams, leading a Boy Scout troop, and enjoying outdoor activities like camping, boating, and sailing on the boat he brought back from Japan. He was also passionate about home improvement, having renovated an entire house and built a garage from the ground up.

After retiring from the Department of Health in 1995, Don and Betty Jo embarked on a journey of discovery, spending their fall and winter months traveling across the United States in their motor home. They explored the country's diverse landscapes, visited National Parks, and regularly returned to Hawaii. In 1999, they decided to settle in Melbourne, FL, near Patrick Air Force Base, where they created a close-knit community on Long Pine Road, surrounded by lasting friendships and treasured memories. In Florida, they enjoyed gardening, playing golf at the base, and exploring the state’s parks. Their passion for travel remained strong, taking numerous cruises with exceptionally good friends.

As Don grew old, it became evident to him that growing old was a privilege and that it was nearing the time to join the ages without regrets. He asked only that his life be celebrated and that his death not be mourned. Don had an amazing life journey. He met and enjoyed interacting with the most amazing people and appreciated knowing each of them – you know who you are! Many had considerable impact on his life and he strived to have a positive impact on theirs.

Before his death, he summarized his feelings on life; “Human life is but an instant in the history of earth, a flash behind eyelids, gone in the blink of an eye. My death is not one to be mourned, but to be remembered as one of complete joy in the successes of my progeny. I have enjoyed the best life anyone could have lived among the best friends and the best, most caring wife and offspring any man has ever had. Life is but a series of splits in the road at which one makes the best decision on which path to take with the facts available at the time. There should be no recrimination for any decision or anything done or not done in life. Life is an experience to enjoy and I have done so. It is difficult to know how to allay mourning by others, but I wish that any thoughts of my dying should be in the joy of what I have experienced in my long life rather than sorrowfulness in my departing.

I embrace two guiding thoughts– Continue to find joy in life and “Have a blast!”

A private family service will be held at Don’s request.