Charles F. MacDonald
Early Life
Charles Francis MacDonald was born on November 12, 1895, in Rye, New York, the son of Allan R. MacDonald and Ellen Carson MacDonald. He was born into a large family that included his twin brother, George Henry MacDonald, as well as numerous siblings and half-siblings, reflecting a complex and extended household typical of the period.
He grew up in Rye and remained closely tied to the community throughout his life. By 1917, he was living on Halstead Avenue in nearby Harrison, New York, and was employed as a chauffeur by S. J. Brooks. He had married Anna M. Scanlon on August 19, 1916, in Port Chester, New York, and at the time of his draft registration he reported his wife as dependent upon him for support.
He was described as of medium build, approximately five feet nine inches in height, with blue eyes and brown hair, and no physical disabilities were noted.
World War I Service
MacDonald entered naval service on June 3, 1918, at New York, New York, as part of the United States Naval Reserve Force. He served as a Machinist’s Mate, Second Class, a technical rating responsible for maintaining and operating machinery aboard naval vessels and at shore installations.
His service included duty at the Federal Rendezvous in Brooklyn, New York, followed by assignment to the receiving ship in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where personnel were processed and assigned during wartime mobilization. He later served at the training camp at Pelham Bay Park, one of the Navy’s principal training facilities during World War I.
His period of active service extended from June 1918 through November 11, 1918, coinciding with the final months of the war. He remained in service through the postwar period and was honorably discharged on March 11, 1919.
Life After Service
Following his return to civilian life, MacDonald remained in Rye, where he worked as a bartender at an establishment on Depot Plaza for more than sixteen years. He lived at the Highland Hall Apartments in Rye and remained an active member of the local community.
He was affiliated with several organizations, including John M. Grady Council No. 503 of the Knights of Columbus in Port Chester, the Dads’ Club of Resurrection School, and the Rye Memorial Post 7550 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, reflecting his continued connection to both civic and veterans’ organizations.
Charles Francis MacDonald died suddenly on January 5, 1956, at his home in Rye at the age of 60. Funeral services were held at the William H. Graham Funeral Home in Rye, followed by a Requiem Mass at the Church of the Resurrection. Interment took place at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Rye, with a committal service conducted at the gravesite.
At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife, Anna Scanlon MacDonald; his daughters, Catherine Patricia MacDonald of Rye and Mrs. Peggy MacMann of Port Chester; his sons, Charles F. MacDonald Jr. of Rye and James F. MacDonald of Springfield, Massachusetts; his sisters, Mrs. Agnes Faffley of Port Chester, Mrs. Helen Trapasso of White Plains, and Mrs. Theresa O’Hara of New Rochelle; and his brother, George MacDonald of Port Chester.