Obituary of William John McDonald

William John McDonald, age 78 of Lewiston, died Monday January 17, 2010 in Sister's of Charity Hospital in Buffalo, after a brief illness. William was born December 27, 1932 in Niagara Falls, NY, the son of the late William H. and Marion (Hanrahan) McDonald. He attended St. Mary's Grade School, graduated from Bishop Duffy High School in 1950, from Georgetown University in 1954, and from Cornell Law School in 1957. William opened a law office at 631 Main St. in Niagara Falls and helped establish the Aquarium of Niagara Falls in 1964. In 1967 he moved to Youngstown and built the Town Houses at the entrance to Fort Niagara. He had also bought the Old Fort Inn which he owned for several years. In 1968 he moved back to Lewiston and built apartments and town homes in several locations in the village. He had owned the Frontier House in Lewiston for over 30 years and was the original developer and owner of the Mini-Plaza on 7th St. in Lewiston and an apartment complex on Calkins Rd. William was a former Advisor at Niagara University; a former member of the Kiwanis Club of Lewiston, the Youngstown Yacht Club, and the 3-F Conservation Club. He enjoyed boating, socializing, and tennis but was mostly concerned with the best interest of his family. He was always willing to offer a helping hand to someone in need and wanted to make things better for everyone who lived in this area. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Ann (Heath) McDonald; his children, Elizabeth McDonald of Buffalo, Jennifer (John) Forsythe of Alexandria, VA, Kathleen J. McDonald of Lewiston, and William H. (Cara) McDonald of Seattle, WA; his grandchildren, Emma and Matthew Forsythe of Alexandria, VA and Mia and William McDonald of Seattle, WA. Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Sts., Lewiston on Wednesday from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, January 20, at 10:00 am in St. Peter's RC Church, 600 Center St., Lewiston, with the Rev. Sebastian C. Pierro officiating. (Please assemble at church). Burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery will be private. Memorials may be made to the Lewiston Volunteer Fire Co. #1 Ambulance Fund, 145 N. 6th St. P.O. Box 748, Lewiston, NY 14092.