Richard Joseph Macdonnell

Richard Joseph MacDonnell, also known as Rich, Mac, Grampa and Grampa Mac, passed away in the early morning hours of July 15th,2021 just shy of his 96th birthday. He is survived by his daughter, Diane Cameron (Kip Halley) of The Woodlands, Tx, son, Patrick MacDonnell (Sharon) of Midlothian, Tx, daughter, Christy Testa, (Bill) of Arlington, Tx, grandchildren, Jennifer Freeman, Krista Pillow, Richard MacDonnell, Sarah Howton, Erica Testa, and Danielle Menger and his great grandchildren, Reese. J.T., Addison, Liana, Jorge, Jolene and Hannah. Rick was preceded in death by many, including Mary his beloved wife of 55 years, his brother, Bill and wife, Karis, his parents, James and Beatrice, and his grandson, Ryan Cameron. Rick was born in Springfield, MO, the second son of Beatrice and James. A perpetually busy boy in high school, he ran track, played leather helmet football, and played clarinet in band. He actually performed in marching band during half-time in his football uniform! In 1943, after a difficult persuasion, his parents allowed their 17 year old son to enlist in the U.S. Navy. Rick was eager to become a pilot and engage in combat, but the Navy had other plans. He tested high in IQ and was assigned first to precision machine fabrication and then to installation of flight instruments. The Navy enrolled him in The University of South Georgia School of Technology which later became Georgia Tech University. The incredible amount of scheduled work in machine shops along with an unbelievable amount of University credits led to what is akin to a Master's Degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 3 years! After his honorable discharge in 1947, Rick continued serving his country in the private sector by accepting a position with Vought Aircraft in Connecticut. He followed the company, which became LTV, to Texas. It was at Vought where he met the love of his life, Mary Eleanor Smith. After a brief courtship, Rick proposed marriage at an old chicken farm in New England, and for some reason, she said yes! They had their first child, Diane in 1951, four years later came Patrick, and four years after that, Christy. There was a brief foray in California which did not suit Rick or Mary, so they returned to Texas to build their legacy. Always searching for his next project, Rick bought a small plot of land on what was to become Cedar Creek Lake. He hand built a small cabin for his family to enjoy on the weekends. This led him to a much larger project on the lake. While still working full time at LTV, he purchased 10 acres and built a full service marina. Built mostly by his own hand and a small tractor, Marimac Marina employed a small group of weekend warriors named Mary, Diane, Patrick and Christy. They spent a lot of time digging post holes and planting pine trees. After 43 years of service, Rick retired from LTV in 1990 to begin his retirement projects: Woodworking led to many toys, benches and ironing board cabinets etc. He then took a course in mechanical clock repair, which led him into business again, repairing clocks. He and Mary scoured the Texas antique markets buying old clocks to repair. His woodwork and restored antique clocks are still on display in many homes of his family and friends. Richard J. MacDonnell lived an extraordinary life of service, productivity, enjoyment, and has left a legacy of love and structure for future generations. He is loved and will be missed dearly. His cremated remains will be interred alongside his beloved Mary at the DFW National Cemetery. There will be a brief service at the cemetery on September 10th at 9:30 a.m.. A celebration of his excellent life will be head immediately after at The Candlelite Inn Restaurant, 1202 E. Division Street, Arlington, Tx 76011. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Rick's favorite charities: St. Jude Children's Hospital or St. Joseph's Indian School for Lakota Sioux Wade Family Funeral Home 817-274-9233