Bernard J. McDonald, 89, of Fall River, passed away surrounded by family on Sunday, March 8, 2020 at Charlton Memorial Hospital. He was the husband of Joan (Laliberte) McDonald, with whom he enjoyed 60 years of marriage. Born in Fall River, a son of the late Bernard J. McDonald, Esq. and the late Loretta G. (Lupien) McDonald, he resided in Fall River for most of his life.

An athlete while at BMC Durfee High School, he was a member of its championship basketball team, winning the 1948 New England Regionals as well as receiving county and state honors. Upon graduating, he earned a basketball scholarship to Boston University, and he has since been inducted into Durfee's Sports Hall of Fame. An Army veteran of the Korean Conflict, he served his country honorably with the 22 ^nd Infantry from 1952 to 1954, receiving the Army of Occupation Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

A boilermaker with the Boilermakers Union Local #29, out of Quincy, for many years, he had also worked for several years with National Cash Register in Manhattan, NY. He was a lifetime member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge #118 of Fall River.

A member of Baker's Beach, Westport, Bernard enjoyed spending time there with his wife and daughter, and he loved going on annual vacations to Aruba. For many years he also enjoyed meeting his brothers, brothers-in-law and friends at Highland Spa and McDonalds for morning coffee to engage in animated discussions on sports, politics and current events.

Besides his wife, he is survived by: children, Bernard J. McDonald (wife Michelle) of Fall River, Brian P. McDonald (wife Lizabeth) of Fall River, Brendan J. McDonald (wife Lisa) of Westport, Karen McDonald of Fall River, and Jacqueline Gaspar (husband Jeffrey) of Somerset; siblings, William McDonald (wife Nan) of Florida, and Mary Elizabeth "Mary Lib" Hargraves (husband Robert) of Fall River; siblings-in-law, Patricia Johnston (husband Thomas) of Newport, Claudette Correiro (late husband John) of Fall River, and Anne Leonard of Newport; grandchildren, B.J. (fiancée Allyson), Kate husband (Ruben Resendes), Brian, John Paul, Brendan II, Reagan, Greta, and Graham; great granddaughter, Ainsley; and many nieces & nephews. He was also brother of the late Loretta McMurray (late husband George), Barbara Shea (late husband Arthur), Patricia Barrar (late husband William), Nancy Farrissey (late husband Andrew), Susan Coombes (husband William of Somerset), and J. Barry McDonald (late wife Gabrielle); and brother-in-law of the late Noella Bolin.

Following his cremation, His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday, March 13th, in Holy Name Church.

The family is grateful to the doctors and nurses of Charlton Memorial Hospital for their care given Mr. McDonald.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider making a donation in Bernie's memory to the Thomas Chew Memorial Boys & Girls Club, of 803 Bedford Street – P.O. Box 5155, Fall River, MA 02723; 508-672-6340; www.fallriverbgc.org