Arthur "Sonny" Macdonald

SONNY MacDONALD SR. IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Arthur Joseph "Sonny" MacDonald Sr., 74, of Idaho Falls, died February 12, 2009, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. He was born March 18, 1934, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Hector and Anna Burns MacDonald. He attended the Blessed Sacrament and Mary E. Curley School. He served in the U. S. Navy from 1952-56. He had two sons, Arthur Jr. and Thomas. He lived in Weymouth and worked as a machinist for Merriman Brothers in Hingham, Massachusetts for 33 years. He lived in Las Vegas for many years, then retired to Ammon, where he enjoyed relaxing and spending time with family and his two dogs, P. J. and Zoe. Sonny enjoyed traveling, dining out, playing cards and games, watching movies and television, gaming and spending time with family and friends. Survivors include: Wife: Ethel T. Fava (MacDonald), Idaho Falls, ID Son: Arthur J. MacDonald Jr., Weymouth, MA Son: Thomas O. (Tammy) MacDonald, Southborough, MA Sister: Dorothy "Dottie" Wright, Quincy, MA Sister: Ruth "Ruthie" Hudson, Avon, MA Sister: Irene "Chickie" Cappello, Wareham, MA Sister: Rita Currie, Braintree, MA Sister: Anne Pittman, Falmouth, MA Stepson: Paul E. Buckley Jr., Hanover, MA Stepdaughter: Cheryle T. Cathcart, Las Vegas, NV Stepdaughter: Laura (Siler) Buckley, Ammon, ID Stepgrandson: John Buckley, Ammon, ID Grandson: Scott MacDonald, Manchester, NH Grandson: Patrick MacDonald, Bridgewater, MA Granddaughter: Amanda MacDonald, Southborough, MA Granddaughter: Melissa MacDonald, Southborough, MA StepGrandson: Paul E. Buckley III, Atlanta, GA StepGranddaughter: Jillian Cathcart, Las Vegas, NV StepGrandson: Matthew Cathcart, Las Vegas, NV Sonny was also a brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, friend and neighbor to many. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Mary “Patsy” Ledford MacDonald, a brother, William “Bucko” MacDonald, and three sisters, Jeanette “Jay” Buckley, Mildred “Millie” Davey and Helen Wyatt. Services will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2009 at the Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church, 9th and South Lee, Idaho Falls. Military Rites will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team and Idaho Honor Guard. There will be a gathering immediately following the Military Rites at the home of Gil and Laura. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sonny's name to the Veteran’s Association. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Gina Colantonio/Sweeney Mikey31385@yahoo.com Theresa and Family . . . I am so sorry to hear this news. I am so glad on my honey moon I was able to see sonny and family. Theresa I can't imagine how you feel, I wish could be there for you. just remember you are a strong wonderful woman. I know that no words can make you feel better right now. but if it helps in anyway I love you and know that god and your family will help you in this time. I will call you as time goes on I just wanted to give you a bit of space. Your in my thoughts and prayers Love you Auntie! Love Gina + Mikey Jr. Hi Theresa, it's Mike, I wanted to just say I'm so sorry for your loss even though. I didn't know him well when I met him in Vegas with Gina - he was a real nice guy. I hope that your coping ok and again am so sorry for your loss. Mike Sr. Mary Colantonio lilglider1@yahoo.com I am so sorry for the passing of your Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle,and Friend. His loving spirit will live on with in our hearts. He has finished his job on earth and is in training for his new job in Heaven. He has taught us all a valuable lesson on how to respect others. How to get thru tough times by keeping your spirits high. He is an honorable man and has brighten many peoples days with his joking. He has Lifted up my spirits many times. I would often say to myself when I was depressed if Sonny can make it with all his pain. I can too. He was very inspirational to me. One thing I would like the world to know. Even with his sickness he took my mother Madeline E. Fava into his home and treated her with the utmost respect and kindness. He was genuine in his Love,Concerned and with her well being, and made the last years of her life Happy and Safe. He went above and beyond and took a back seat so she could shine. I can never ever stop Thanking him enough. He is what Love is. I pray to God to recognized this humble man into his kingdom for the many caring unselfish things that he has done. I can only say one line that sums up my brother-in-law SONNY and that is: "He is one of a kind and He truly knows how to LOVE." He would tell me many times how much he loved Theresa and how well she has treated him. He said to me "Theresa is my back bone and without her perseverance I would not have made it this far and i'll tell you i'm so glad that she is on my side cuz I don't know what I would do without her." Theresa Sonny lives within you and also within all that knew him. My prayers, love and thoughts are with you. Love always, Mary E. (Fava) Colantonio Paul Buckley Sonny was not just my Uncle, he was my best friend, he was like my older brother, we shared many good memories together. Love, Paul Laura Buckley lola1968_99@yahoo.com Sonny...thanks for all the memories...I know every time I shuffle a deck of cards I will surely think of you! We got a lot closer these past few years, especially while John and I were staying with you and my Mom. We also shared a lot of laughs. I know you are now at Peace and with God and we will all be reunited with you someday. Until then you are an Angel of our Lord keeping us all safe. We miss and love you always. Love, Laura, Gil and lil' John, A.K.A.(Big Bad John as you used to sing to him!) xoxo Dennis Sanchez drsanchez@msn.com Dear Theresa, Shirley and I want to express our deepest sympathy for your great loss. I know that Sonny was your true soul mate as well as your best friend and his passing will leave a great void, but I also know that all the things that Sonny was will be there to guide you and help you. He was an inspiration. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Dennis and Shirley Sanchez Tom & Judee Ledford TJL@OLYPEN.COM Theresa, I talked to you today and I hope you have the best memories. I like the Irish way of celebrating. Sonny was always the best for me when I went into the service. He and Patsy got married, so when I got back I had a big brother. He was one of the few people that I didn't mind calling me "Tommy." The way he did, I felt that I was family. I enjoyed our visits with you guys in Las Vegas. I will always remember that you guys stood up for Judee and me when we renewed our 30th anniversary wedding vows ten years ago. I will talk to you soon. Tom & Judee Ron and Jan Hudson hud928@yahoo.com Sonny had a true gift with people. He was always able to make you laugh. Thank you for all you were to Ruthie. She was always proud of her little brother. You will be missed. Ruth Hudson hud928@yahoo.com To Our Brother,
You were the best brother any sisters could have. You were always there for us with love, concern and support. We miss you already, your smile, your jokes, your love of people and especially children. We enjoyed your stories of yesterdays about Mom and Dad and the love that showed on your face when you spoke of them. Family was always at the top of your list. Death cannot diminish the memories shared. Your legacy lives on forever. You were one of Gods' greatest gifts to us all. May you rest in peace. We love and miss you. 
 Your Loving Sisters,
Dottie, Ruthie, Rita, Chickie and Ann