Joseph Francis McDonald, Jr.

joseph mcdonald, jr.

October 21, 1943 ~ October 14, 2024

Born in: Norfolk, VA
Resided in: Fairfax, VA

On October 14, 2024, Joseph Francis McDonald, Jr., aged 80, passed away peacefully at home in Fairfax, Virginia. Born in Norfolk, Virginia on October 21, 1943, Joe is survived by Carolyn McDonald, his loving children, Kimberly Bilgere (Dakari) and Michael McDonald (Rebecca); sisters Eleanor Parker, Patricia Faircloth, Katie Servant and Molly Siddle; several nieces and nephews; granddaughter’s Allison and Katelyn Bilgere and Madeline and Milena McDonald and numerous extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph F. McDonald and Zilpha (Sue) McDonald.

Joe was a proud veteran, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1966-1972. He pursued a career in Automotive Financial Services. Joe served as a school crossing guard after his retirement and was recognized in 2018 as one of six Fairfax County Public School Most Outstanding Crossing Guard Award winners.

In retirement Joe volunteered at Fair Oaks Hospital, training new hires in patient moving and transport. Joe joined the Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department in 2010 and became a full member in 2011. He served as an active volunteer until the time of his death. In 2018 he was elected to the FVFD Board of Directors as an At-Large member and served in that capacity until his death. He served as the Events Chairman, coordinating activities including July 4th and Fall Festival events. Joe also worked diligently with the City of Fairfax Fire Department performing administrative duties every Thursday. Joe demonstrated selfless volunteerism. He wanted to help, and he never sought recognition or reward for his community service.

Most importantly, Joe loved his family. He was a loving and devoted father, brother, and grandfather. He always had a smile and a warm greeting for everyone. He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.

In Lieu of Flowers, donations may be made to the Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department, Fire Station #3, 4081 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030.

Visitation for Joe will be held October 23, 2024, at 10:00 AM, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM at Money & King Funeral Home, 171 W. Maple Ave., Vienna, VA 22180

Broadcast Date:

Money & King Broadcast

Services

Visitation: October 23, 2024 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Money and King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA 22180

703-938-7440

Memorial Service: October 23, 2024 11:00 am

Money and King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA 22180

703-938-7440

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  1. My brother escorted me at my wedding, waited for me while I finished the Marine Corps Marathon and drove me down to my brother in law’s service in GA. Such kindness …..

  2. Joe was an exceptional individual to walk this Earth. He excelled in all that he did. Always putting others before himself and giving a helping hand to those in need. His active lifestyle brought him much joy and accomplishment . There will be a void in the many lives he touched regardless of age from Crossing Guard to working with the Firefighters to the Race car circuit. He had so many avenues he traveled, always leaving behind smiles and laughter. My Brother will be remembered with heavy hearts . My brother was a dear soul and I will miss him always. He is not replaceable.!

  3. I’ve had the pleasure of spending 14 years’ worth of Thursdays with Joe in the CFFD admin office! He was a shining star; we all looked forward to “Joe Day” every week. There will always be a little hole in my heart reserved for Joe. I will miss him greatly!

  4. Mr. McDonald, Joe, was a very kind and loving man. Throughout my friendship with Kim, he was always a constant in her life; always supportive, always funny, and always game for just about anything. I am glad that Kim and her girls have all the wonderful memories of him, and hope that will get them through this difficult time. Much love always friend.

  5. Joe was a wonderful guy. We worked together at many FVFD events over the last 14 years from meetings, bingo, open houses, pancake breakfasts, 4th of July, safety inspections, etc. I loved to talk to him and be around him. He talked hockey and I talked rugby and we enjoyed comparing the 2 sports and bragging about our toughness. He had a mischievous side that loved to pick on people but it was obvious how much he cared about us all. He was as dependable as a Timex watch thanks to his dedication to his community. He will be missed but never forgotten.

  6. Joe was a wonderful individual that really cared about others. I met Joe when I was assigned to work crosswalk with him at Coates ES. Not only was he crossing guard of the year, but he also would come into the school and mentor children. He even came in during COVID when we had a small group of students come on Mondays. He was always willing to lend a helpful hand. I will miss Joe’s stories and miss telling him my stories. Joe, I’m glad our last interaction was a giant hug! I’ll miss you.

  7. Joe was a dedicated member of the FVFD and a remarkable colleague, always bringing warmth and kindness to every interaction. He had a unique ability to uplift others with his words, and his calm, peaceful nature shone through in everything he did. We worked side by side at countless FVFD events, and I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. His smile, kindness, and strong work ethic will be impossible to replace.

    Joe never acted his age—he was always full of energy and enthusiasm. I never thought to ask his age, as he was always ready to roll up his sleeves and lend a hand. His absence will be profoundly felt, but the lasting impact he made on all of us will never be forgotten.

  8. “MY CONDOLENCES TO MY BOSS ROBERT WHITE, & FAMILY DURING THE BEREAVEMENT OF UNCLE JOE,😭😭😭😭😭…..❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️”HE WILL GREATLY MISSED FROM THE RM CLEANING EMPLOYEES, LUV U UNCLE JOE, NIKKI, 💔😭💔😭💔

  9. In a heartfelt memory of your loved one. Joe was someone who brought a smile to every occasion, my breakfast buddy and dear friend. Just an absolutely beautiful person. Rest in peace my dear friend.

  10. Over the past 40 years Joe and I worked together at Chevy Chase Chevyland, Congressional Olds, VW, Mazda, we traveled to Richmond for NASCAR races together, we were neighbors at Lake Anna where we enjoyed times on his pontoon boat. We shared the good times and we comforted each other during the not so good times. He was easy to talk to and he was always focusing on the positive. His smile was contagious and my kids loved to see him when he would come to the lake. What I remember most about Joe was how BIG his heart was. I will miss you my friend, RIP ….. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him. 🙏

  11. I first met Joe because we lived in the same neighborhood. I always saw him around, helping out with the landscaping, or checking on things that needed to be taken care of in our community. When I decided to join the Board for the homeowner’s association, I got to know him better. Although the time I knew him was brief, he made a big impression on me. He was always kind, thoughtful, generous, and helpful. As other here have said, he was involved in his community, and kept things positive. He will be missed greatly!


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