Paul Francis McDonald

Age 78, of Spanish Lookout, Belize; Berlin, Germany; formerly of Plymouth and Braintree, MA, passed away in his sleep a week before his 79th birthday in Belize, Central America. 

Born and raised in Braintree, MA, he was graduate of Archbishop Williams High School. He graduated St. Leo's College in Florida, Notre Dame University in Indiana with a BS in Political Science, and was a proud reservist aviator in the United States Coast Guard. 

He logged 40 years as a commercial airline pilot, flying for Air New England, and Boeing 737s for Air Berlin, Deutsche BA, and Gulf Air.  He enjoyed retirement on his farm in Belize.

Mr. McDonald leaves his wife Elli Will-Kolodziej of Berlin, Germany; former wife Barbara Fallon of Bourne Village, Ma.; and his children USCG RADM Chris Bartz and his wife USCG CMDR Polly (Pietrick) of Arlington, Va; Beth Anne (Bartz) and her husband Thomas Elliott of Sagamore Beach, Ma; Suzanne McDonald and her husband Robert Roklan of Middletown, RI; Karen McDonald of Charleston, SC; Tobias McDonald and partner Stefan Weber of Berlin, Germany; and Dalton (Carl) McDonald and partner Gabrielle Harris of Florida and Berlin, Germany; his grandchildren USCG LTJG Audrey Bartz, Shannon Elliott, Caroline Elliott, Claire Bartz, Dillon Elliott, USCGA Cadet 4/C Bridget Bartz, and Elise Roklan. 

He also leaves his sisters Joanne McDonald of Rhinebeck, NY; and Marianne Woodsome of Santa Barbara, CA; his sister-in-law Jeanette (Rivard) McDonald of Rhinebeck, NY; and 9 nieces and nephews and 11 great-nieces and great-nephews. 

He is predeceased by his parents John and Mary (Dalton) McDonald of Braintree, Ma; and his sister Margaret McDonald of Needham, Ma; as well as his only brother John McDonald of Rhinebeck, NY; who died three weeks prior. 

His family and friends will miss his vast interests and intellect, flying stories, and captivating smile.

Family and friends will honor and remember Paul’s life by gathering for a Funeral Mass in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 856 Washington Street, Braintree, on Monday morning, April 24, 2023 at 10:00 A.M.

Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery on Randolph Street in Canton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a cause meaningful to you.