Mr. Carlton Francis McDonald Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Carlton F. McDonald Chateaugay – Carlton Francis McDonald, 82, County Route 52, Chateaugay, NY died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on April 24, 2012 at Alice Hyde Hospital, Malone, NY. Born at home in Chateaugay, NY on May 1, 1929, he was one of six children of the late Alfred and Anna Mae (Peets) McDonald. He was married to the love of his life Irene M. Nichols on August 18, 1956 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Churubusco, NY. She was there until the very end, working without fail offering comfort, love, and support. Carlton graduated from Chateaugay High School in 1949. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, he operated a dairy farm until his retirement process, which spanned from 1991 to 2000. Mr. McDonald is survived by his wife of 55 years; two daughters and their spouses, Cathy and Joseph DuFour of Lake George, NY; and Sandra and Steven Livernois of Canton, NY; two sons and their spouses, Randy and Kathy McDonald of Ithaca, NY; and Kevin and Gretchen McDonald of Seneca Falls, NY; 11 grandchildren, Sarah DuFour of NYC, Meghan DuFour of Burlington, VT; Brian (Shana) Livernois of Potsdam; Scott Livernois of Palm Harbor, FL; Jason Livernois of Alexandria, VA; Ashley, Madison, Trey, and Logan McDonald of Ithaca, NY; and Hannah and Benjamin McDonald of Seneca Falls; two great grandchildren, Alexa and Parker Livernois of Potsdam; two sisters, Agatha McDonald and Marcia McDonald of Plattsburgh; a brother and sister-in-law Rodney and Luva McDonald of Norwood, NY;, a sister-in-law Marie McDonald of Burke, NY; a sister-in-law and her husband Louis and Darlene Ricard of Glens Falls, NY; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; a brother, Stanley McDonald; a sister, Leatrice Decosse and her husband Gerald; an infant son, Joseph Carlton and nephews, James and Scott Decosse. Carlton was a life-long communicant of St. Patrick's Church, Chateaugay. He was an active third-degree life member of Wadhams Council #469 of Knights of Columbus in Chateaugay and served in various roles throughout the years most recently holding the position of treasurer of the Columbus Club. He was a volunteer in the Meals on Wheels program for the Burke Adult Center. He was a past member of the Moonshine Squares square dancing club, the Chateaugay Agway Board, and the Franklin County ASCS. Carlton's greatest service was always providing help when and where help was needed. He enjoyed offering his strong back, truck, sons' manpower, and time to many Harvest Dinners, bingo events, K of C Field Days, 4-H picnics, church functions, etc. Carlton's biggest source of pride was always his family. He was a steadfast support to his wife and was always in the background offering his help, encouragement, praise, clerical skills, and time. Carlton always looked forward to time with his brothers, sisters, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and their families. The family reunions, get-togethers, picnics on the farm, and parties were special times for him. He loved and was proud of his kids and their spouses. He always wanted to hear about their new jobs, projects, trips, and activities. He was a role model to his kids in the value of hard work and how to treat people right. A big part of Carlton's heart was reserved for his grandchildren and great grandchildren. His face always brightened up when he saw them get out of the car. Rocking the little ones, games with the older ones, and good-natured teasing for the big ones were favorite past-times for Carlton and the source for many smiles and laughs. Carlton's friends were dear to him. When you entered his home you were always offered a chair at the kitchen table and a coffee or beer depending on the time of day. He passed his free time reading westerns, playing games of cards and dominoes with family and friends, manning the grill for a chicken barbecue, and reminiscing about old farming practices. When he was younger many were fortunate enough to be asked to dance by Carlton. He was light on his feet and kept you on your toes. If a party had music and dancing he was sure to be on the floor enjoying himself. Calling hours will be held at the Chateaugay Funeral Home on Friday, April 27 from 4-7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, April 28 at 11 am in St. Patrick's Church, Chateaugay with Rev. John Looby officiating. Burial will take place at St. Patrick's Cemetery. A reception will take place at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Chateaugay following the burial. Donations in his memory may be made to Chateaugay Rescue, Depot Street, Chateaugay, NY 12920; St. Patrick's Renovation Fund, P.O. Box 908, Chateaugay, NY 12920; and Burke Adult Center, Burke, NY 12917.

Mr. Carlton Francis McDonald

May 1, 1929 - April 24, 2012