Patrick J. McDonald

Patrick “Pat” J. McDonald, of Spring Lake, NJ, died in the early morning of April 6, 2020.  He was the doting father of four boys, Patrick, Walter, Marc and David, and the husband of Beanie McDonald, the love of his life and wife of 52 years.

Pat was born in Kearny, NJ on November 14, 1940, the devoted son of Matilda “Fritz” (whose home cooking established Pat’s life-long love of food) and Jack McDonald.  His dedication to service to others grew during his years at St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark, NJ, an organization he supported throughout his life, recently coordinating his class’s 60th reunion. Upon graduation of the University of St. Thomas in Houston, he joined the Peace Corps, where he spent a year in Africa.  His international experience expanded during his time at Merck, where he worked for nearly 35 years retiring as Executive Director of Corporate Licensing, with travels across Europe (where he and Beanie explored the continent with recurring trips to Ireland and Italy, their favorite locales) and Japan.  He was most proud of his social impact initiatives at Merck, such as helping pave the way to institute scoliosis screening in schools nationwide and assisting in the development of a drug donation program to address river blindness around the world.

His success at Merck in marketing, sales and corporate development was driven by the teaching of Getting to Yes. Pat’s belief, which he shared with all, was to focus on an outcome in which everyone benefits. It’s an approach that he believed could be utilized in nearly every situation. His ability to give practical, relevant and insightful advice is remembered with awe by many.

Pat's selflessness and dedication to others were highlighted by his community engagement activities including serving as a councilman on the Spring Lake Council, president of the Spring Lake Homeowners Association, and board member and volunteer of Coastal Habitat for Humanity. He led St. Catharine Parish’s first-ever capital campaign that included restoration of the Spring Lake landmark church that stood across the street from his home of 31 years, and he was an active volunteer at the Church of St. Anselm.

A dedicated Yankees fan who disdained sabermetrics and always believed it was better to give up an out to move the runner over despite the data that said otherwise, Pat attended a string of consecutive opening days at Yankee Stadium for nearly 25 years, rain, snow, or shine, with his sons or Beanie and was a regular at Sunday home games where he and Beanie saw multiple perfect games nearly to their completion.  His desire for teams to focus on singles, doubles and stolen bases was equally matched by his long-time pursuit of achieving a hole-in-one during his twenty-year golfing pursuit. On June 20, 2016 that dream came true at Jumping Brook Country Club and the ball remains enshrined in his home – a memorial to his focus on persistence and excellence.

His award-winning impression of Louis Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World – a favorite at special events and parties alike – was commemorated when Pat was selected as the inaugural winner of the Beanie Cup, a highly competitive award sought after by individuals across the world. His love of the song highlighted his ever optimistic nature and belief that seeking peace and addressing injustice – through action – could be achieved in his lifetime.  

Pat’s accomplishments are simply too numerous to list and his greatest was his ability to raise four loving, thoughtful and kind sons, including giving them excellent educations at Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft, New Jersey, and then college and graduate school. They will remember his sharp mind, his ability to show up at any of their activities at a moment’s notice – regardless of location – and his willingness to drive his family anywhere they needed to be. He was a great provider that ensured his family experienced life to the fullest.

Pat is survived by his four sons, wife and six grandchildren: Julianna, Evie, Stan, Molly, Ellie, and Bryn.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Benedict’s Prep (www.sbp.org -- see link further down the page).