Walter McDonald, age 90, was born in Mount Vernon NY on February 18, 1934. He was the son of Clarence and Matilda (Weiss) McDonald, he was predeceased by his parents and two sisters, Sarah and Mary (May). Walter grew up on Mt Vernon’s Southside, attended public schools, and graduated from Edison Tech High School in 1952. Shortly after graduation, Walter became an active volunteer member of Truck Co. #3 of the Mount Vernon Fire Department.
Walter served his Country in the United States Navy during the Korean conflict and received an honorable discharge. Walter worked as an auto and electrical mechanic upon discharge.
In 1957, Walter was appointed as a paid firefighter for the City of Mount Vernon Fire Department where he served for 32 years. During his years with the department, he became well respected by his peers as one who “knew the job”. Besides being well versed in all aspects of firefighting, he had memorized the fire alarm street box numbers and would know a location just by counting the bells. Walter was promoted to Lieutenant in 1983 and served on Rescue 1 until his retirement in 1989. During his career, he received numerous commendations for lifesaving, bravery and excellence. In 1958, Walter married Stella Krampa and settled in Mount Vernon where they raised their two children, Peter and Anna. Stella predeceased him in 2004.
Walter relocated to Somers NY in 2000 and became an active member of the Somers Volunteer Fire Department. He continued to share his knowledge and experiences with the younger firefighters and maintained Active status still responding on “runs” up until his death. He was very proud to have been awarded Life Member status. He enjoyed the camaraderie at the Wednesday Drill nights at the Granite Springs Firehouse sharing stories with the members.
Walter was a talented “handyman” and was skilled in carpentry, plumbing, electricity, and auto mechanics. It was once said that he could build or fix anything. After retirement from the FDMV, Walter continued to utilize his skills working for various loyal customers that he had established over the years, always keeping busy doing something for someone. In his later years, he continued to use his handyman skills as an active member in various social clubs including the Catholic Kolping Society and the German American Social Club of Peekskill, where he had been awarded “Member of the Year”. Walter enjoyed memberships in many Irish cultural associations and had been a member of the Mahopac St. Patrick’s Parade Committee for many years. Walter also was active with the Putnam Office for Senior Resources, initially as a volunteer driver and later as a participant at the Putnam Valley Senior Center. He was always very social, valuing and enjoying the camaraderie and friendships with the people of these various organizations over the years.
Walter was also an accomplished rudimental drummer. He began playing Colonial Fife and Drum music with VFW Post 596 in the 1950’s and continued playing with numerous Ancient Fife and Drum Corps in the Tri-State area for decades. He was a member of the Company of Fifers and Drummers.
Walter was a founding member of the Westchester Firefighters Emerald Society Pipe and Drum Band. He led the “Drum Line” for over two decades marching in nearly every parade. He particularly enjoyed swinging onto 5th Avenue in NYC every St Patrick’s Day for over 20 years. The friendships, camaraderie, and good times were legendary, and he was often heard saying “more food and grog for my men!”
Walter is survived by his son Peter McDonald (Laura) of Somers N.Y., Daughter Anna Scarpati (Jerry) of New Bern N.C., Grandchildren Kate D’Angelone (Steve), Kevin and Liam McDonald, Andrew, Michael, and Peter Scarpati and great granddaughter Natalie D’Angelone.
Walter passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family on December 18, 2024.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or the Somers Volunteer Fire Department in Walter’s memory.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 29, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Cargain Funeral Home, 418 Route 6 (GPS-US-6), Mahopac, NY.
A Mass of Christian Burial to honor and celebrate the life of Walter McDonald will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, December 30, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Church, 95 Plum Brook Road, Somers, NY.
Following the Mass, Walter will be honored for his service in the Navy with a U.S. Military Honor Guard Ceremony outside the church.
Private cremation to follow.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Cargain Funeral Homes, Inc., 418 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541, 845-628-5655, www.cargainfuneralhomes.com.
