Robert E. MacDonald

Robert E. (Bob) MacDonald, 97, beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at his home. Born on November 5, 1927, in Bayonne, New Jersey, to Mary and Harold MacDonald, Bob was a compassionate man whose life was filled with a legacy of helping others. Bob enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Korean War. While serving Bob met and married his wife, Elizabeth (Betty) Craig. The love of his life, they were married for 60 years until her passing in 2010. Working and fixing cars since high school brought him enjoyment and led to his career as a master mechanic for the New Jersey Turnpike supporting NJ State Troopers. He was a lifelong member of American Legion Mantz-Cavaliere Post 293, Warren, NJ. For many years Bob provided leadership for entertainment services to the residents of the NJ Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park. Although not a member, Bob enjoyed his time planning and working on events at American Legion John W. Lupu Memorial Post 306, Middlesex, NJ. He also devoted many years working at the Zarephath Health Center where he was honored with its Certificate of Excellence. He also volunteered at Helping Hands Food Bank and over the years made numerous trips to the Hillside location Community Food Bank of New Jersey to replenish its stock.
Always fond of cars, he enjoyed Monday night meetups with the members of the Street Dreams Car Club of Middlesex. It was no surprise when the club appointed him as an Honorable Member. As a resident of Middlesex Borough for over 70 years Bob was involved with many programs for the betterment of its residents. He received a certificate awarding him Citizen of the Year from his hometown of Middlesex. But his good works extended beyond the Borough’s borders. He also was honored by the neighboring Borough of Bound Brook. He will be missed by his caring neighbors who would stop by and chat while he was outside on his porch and those whose lives he touched in so many different ways. In recent years Bob enjoyed his summers at Panther Lake Camping Resort. He got to make many new friends and for a time served as a lifeguard at the campground’s pool. He was a welcome and friendly symbol of assurance to many new and young swimmers. He also took his woodworking hobby with him. His wind-powered whirlybirds of many species can be found at RV campsites throughout the grounds. Bob is survived by his three daughters, Bonnie and her husband Richard Zarate of Bridgewater, Darlene and her husband Donald Devereaux of Middlesex, and June Moslak of Middlesex; his grandchildren, Brian and Kathryn Zarate, Shawn and Shannon Moslak, Stephen and Melanie Zarate, Craig Bron, Christopher and Kerry Bron, Nicole Moslak and Cody Devereaux; his great-grandchildren, Lena, Bryson, Hailey, Max, Trent, Timothy, Owen and Liam. Of his many brothers and sisters Bob is survived by his sister Carol and brother-in-law Charles Knehr of Lavallette, NJ. He also leaves numerous nieces and nephews who always adored their Uncle Bob and enjoyed spending time with him.
A viewing will be held at Sheenan Funeral Home, 233 Dunellen Ave., Dunellen, NJ from 2:00 – 4:00 PM and 7:00 – 9:00 PM on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. A funeral service will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Sheenan Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery, 1401 Woodland Ave., Scotch Plains, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Bob’s name to the Zarephath Health Center, PO Box 9182, Zarephath, NJ 08890 or American Legion John W. Lupu Memorial Post 306, 707 Legion Place, Middlesex, NJ 08846.

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