Joseph Robert Mcdonald

Joseph Robert McDonald, 80, of Clarks Summit, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, June 9, 2022. He is survived by his wife of 55 years Judy Yacovoni-McDonald.

Born in Scranton, son of the late Joseph Robert McDonald and Mary English McDonald, he was a graduate of West Scranton High School class of 1959. Joe served in the Army and was stationed in Germany before serving in Vietnam. After his service to his country, he graduated cum laude from the University of Scranton with a degree in political science in 1972.

Joe loved many sports, and he shared his love and knowledge by coaching his children in baseball and softball at the West Scranton Missy League. He coached football for the West Scranton Falcons for many years. He coached basketball at St. Ann's and Holy Cross recreation leagues. He treasured his memories of coaching his teams. After he stopped coaching, he became his grandchildren's biggest fan, attending all their sporting events. He was an avid Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies fan; he was overjoyed to be surrounded by his family as he saw the Eagles win the Superbowl. During football season, he could always be found ready to watch the game with his family and eat his favorite Sunday dinner, Nana's pasta and meatballs.

He is survived by his children Lee and Robert DeFazio, Honesdale, Amy Stafursky, Clarks Summit, Kelly and Brian Dowling, Cumberland, MD., Joseph and Barbie McDonald, Clarks Summit, Jeffrey and Michele McDonald, Scranton. Grandchildren: Rachael and Fernando Marques, Lake Ariel, Lauren Gonzalez, Wind Gap, Jessica Stafursky and fiancé Alyssa McKean, Hawley, Ava and Leah Stafursky, Clarks Summit, Andalynn and Drew Moore, Wyoming, MI., Christian Joseph Dowling, Cumberland, MD., Abigail and Emily McDonald, Clarks Summit, Cali and Laci McDonald, Scranton. Sister-in-law Gloria and late husband Howard Coleman, Clarks Summit, Brother-in-laws Robert and late wife Betty Yacovoni, Endwell, NY., Richard and Misty Yacovoni, Sun City, FL, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceeded in death by parents Joseph Robert McDonald and Mary English McDonald, a mother-in-law Gladys Yacovoni and father-in-law Louis Yacovoni.

A blessing service with military honors will be held on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 418 S. State Street, Clarks Summit, with services by the Rev. Stephen Asomah, assistant pastor. Friends may call at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until the time of the service.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.