McDonald, Lawrence M.

Description

Lawrence M. MacDonald was born on August 17, 1896, in Rye, New York, the son of Allan R. MacDonald and Ellen Carson MacDonald. He was part of a large family that included numerous siblings, among them his twin brother Thomas, as well as brothers and sisters including Charles, Andrew, Samuel, Allan, Grace, Agnes, Teresa, and Helen. He grew up in Rye, where he was living with his family by 1910, during a period when the town was evolving from a rural community into a more developed suburban environment.

His early life was shaped by this large household and the working-class structure common to many Rye families of the time, with strong family ties extending throughout the community.

World War I Service

MacDonald entered military service in the United States Army on November 21, 1917, at Fort Slocum, New York. He was assigned to the 163rd Aero Squadron, part of the United States Army Air Service, which was responsible for early military aviation operations including aircraft maintenance, logistics, training, and support of aerial missions during World War I.

He served overseas from February 26, 1918, to June 18, 1919, including duty in Germany during the post-Armistice occupation period. His role within the Aero Squadron would have involved support functions essential to early military aviation, including maintenance, logistics, and operational support for aircraft units.

During his service, he advanced in rank to Corporal on December 1, 1918. He sustained no wounds or injuries in action.

He was honorably discharged on June 28, 1919, following his return from overseas service.

Life After Service

Following his return from military service, MacDonald lived in Pelham, New York, before relocating to Wood-Ridge, New Jersey, where he resided for approximately twenty-six years at 286 Wood-Ridge Street. He was employed by the Wood-Ridge National Bank, reflecting a stable civilian career following his wartime service.

He was a member of Assumption Roman Catholic Church and belonged to the church’s Holy Name Society. He was also a former member of the American Legion, maintaining ties with fellow veterans of World War I.

Lawrence M. MacDonald died on January 25, 1967, at Hackensack Hospital following a brief illness, at the age of 70.

At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife, Mae Treacy MacDonald; his daughter, Mrs. Frank (Laurene) Jennings of Bayville; his sisters, Mrs. Faffley, Mrs. Helen Trapasso, and Mrs. Theresa O’Hara, all of White Plains; and two grandchildren.