Obituary

Daniel Gerald McDonald, age 58, of Manlius, New York, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 9th, after a brief illness at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY.

Born in Syracuse on March 30, 1968, Dan grew up in Camillus and attended the West Genesee School District, graduating in 1986. During his years as a Wildcat, he excelled in both hockey and lacrosse.

Dan continued his lacrosse career at SUNY Potsdam, where he was a four-year member of the Bears lacrosse program and served as team captain in his senior season. He was also an active member and officer of the Delta Kappa Theta fraternity, forming lifelong friendships with his brothers. He graduated from Potsdam in 1991 with a BS in Economics. Among the many skills he gained during his college years, Dan took great pride in becoming a master disc jockey—an ability he enjoyed and spoke of often.

Following graduation, Dan began his professional life as a lacrosse coach at Cornell University and Radford University. He later transitioned into a successful 30-year career as a sales manager in the pharmaceutical and beverage industries throughout the Northeastern United States.

A man of faith, Daniel was a communicant of St. Joseph’s Church in Camillus and St. Ann’s Church in Manlius.

Dan was an avid golfer and a proud member of the Chippanee Golf Club in Bristol, CT, and Calvary Golf Club in Manlius. He loved the outdoors and cherished his time in the Adirondack Mountains—especially in Inlet, NY, “where mountains and memories meet.” He devoted many years to volunteering as a hockey coach with the Valley Youth Hockey Organization, finding joy in mentoring young athletes, particularly his sons Brendan and Connor. He was also a loyal supporter and sponsor of Fayetteville-Manlius sports. . Dan was very fond of his abilities with a pellet smoker.

Daniel was predeceased by his maternal and paternal grandparents; his brother-in-law, Barry Burgess of Nashville, TN; and his beloved dogs, Hogan (his favorite), Cooper, and Zelly.

He is survived by his loving spouse of 29 years, Heather Burgess McDonald; his cherished sons, Brendan and Connor; his mother, Heather McDonald, and father, Robert McDonald; his mother-in-law, Mary Ellen Burgess; his brother, Scott McDonald (Kathy); nephews, Ryan, Matthew, and Patrick, all of Central New York; niece, Ella Burgess of Nashville, TN; many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins; and his loyal dog and companion, Apollo.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at Eaton-Tubbs Fayetteville Chapel, located at 7191 East Genesee Street, Fayetteville, NY 13066. Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with a service to follow at the funeral home. Burial will take place immediately afterward at St. Mary’s Cemetery in DeWitt. A Celebration of Life luncheon will follow.

To borrow the words of Jimmy Buffett, we know there’s a “Cheeseburger in Paradise” waiting for Dan.

Donations in Daniel’s memory may be made to Helping Hounds Dog Rescue, 7268 Caswell Street, North Syracuse, NY.