Robert Edward McDonald

Robert Edward McDonald, 94, of Ridgefield, died peacefully on his 94th birthday, Wednesday, June 25, 2025 surrounded by family. He was the loving husband of the late Joanne (LeVangie) McDonald.

Bob was born in Danbury, CT on June 25, 1931; the only son of the late Edward and Margaret (Wood) McDonald. He grew up in Danbury, graduating from Danbury High School in 1949. He attended Danbury State Teachers College (later known as Western CT State University) graduating in 1953 with a degree in Education. Bob joined the Army in December, 1953 and was stationed for two years at Ft. McNair, Washington, DC. Upon returning to Connecticut, he began teaching at Hoyt Elementary School in Stamford while working on a master’s degree in Educational Administration at Fairfield University. 

He married Joanne Levangie in June, 1957 and began a family which would eventually include seven children. The family moved to Ridgefield in 1961. Bob became an administrative intern at Ridgebury Elementary School and then the first principal of Farmingville Elementary School in the Fall of 1963, a position he loved and held until he retired in 1989. For the next three years, he worked as an interim principal for St Teresa’s in Trumbull and St Joseph’s in Brookfield. He ended his career back in the Ridgefield school system in the high school guidance center as an instructional support assistant and career center adviser until 1999.  

Bob was a faithful parishioner of St. Mary’s Church and then one of the founding members of St. Elizabeth Seton in the mid 1970s. He was a Eucharistic Minister, CCD teacher and Treasurer for the Prime Timers in later years. He was a coach for the Little League Baseball and Townie Basketball organizations.    

Early in his administrative career, he was acknowledged as one of the most promising young principals in New England. In 2019, he received the educator award from the Ridgefield Old Timer’s Association.  

Bob was a life-long sports fan and an athlete of many years. He grew up playing baseball and basketball and continued playing baseball at Danbury Teacher’s College and on his Army team. He was a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox and enjoyed watching college football and basketball, especially the UConn Huskies men's and women’s teams. He was an avid fan of any sport pursued by his children or grandchildren. Bob loved all types of large family gatherings, especially beach vacations and holiday celebrations. He was very appreciative of his friends at Ridgefield Crossings and enjoyed attending musical performances and morning Mass/afternoon Shabbat Fridays.  

Bob was a loving and devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his children: Mary Conroy (Bob), Moira Carlo (Tom), Mike McDonald (Ann), Ann Dickheiser (Bill), Pat Kurkjy (Neil), Sheila O’Connor (Sean) and Sue Nash (Andrew). He is also survived by 13 grandchildren; Mike Carlo (Rachel), Matt McDonald (Stephanie), Molly Galloway (Austin), Sarah Kerman (Alex), Caitlin Conroy, Geoff & Dan Dickheiser, Anna, Paul & Teresa Kurkjy, Patrick O’Connor, Madeline & Caroline Nash and seven great-grandchildren, Addison & Eliza Carlo, Liam & Clayton Galloway, Adam Kerman and Evie & Michael McDonald.  

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 10:00 AM in Saint Elizabeth Seton Church; 520 Ridgebury Road, Ridgefield. There will be no calling hours and interment will take place privately.

Contributions in Mr. McDonald’s memory may be made to St Elizabeth Seton Church, 520 Ridgebury Road, Ridgefield.  

Kane Funeral Home, Ridgefield is in care of arrangements.

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