Matthew McDonald

Reverend Matthew McDonald entered his eternal rest on August 1,2025 at the age of 86. He was born on November 25,1938 in Lake City, SC. His Parents were Judge Lawrence, and Exie Cameron McDonald.

Matthew excelled in school as a graduate of Timmonsville High School. He had several jobs as a teenager. His employers saw something special about him. He was even entrusted to be a school bus driver. Matthew was encouraged to venture out of South Carolina to broaden his horizons.

Matthew married his childhood sweetheart Edith Swinton McDonald, and their union lasted 67 years. As a young couple they moved to Tallahassee, Florida and became neighbors of his Beloved Uncle Buddy. He studied Agriculture and Engineering at Florida A&M University.

Matthew and Edith were part of the Great Northward Migration. In 1963 they moved to Connecticut where industry was thriving. Matthew was hired by Remington Arms, and he retired after 26 years.Matthew was also the proud owner of McDonald’s Cleaning Service for over 55 years!

This made him a pillar in the community. He has employed a rainbow coalition of men and women. When he ventured out, he was often approached by former employees who expressed gratitude for his leadership.

Matthew continued to expand and challenge himself attending business classes at Bullard Havens. He was a non-matriculating student at Fairfield University, and at Sacred Heart University.

Matthew found his true calling when he attended Hartford Seminary and earned a Certificate in Ministry. He became an ordained minister.Reverend McDonald served as an Associate Minister at Mount Aery Baptist Church for many years.Matthew McDonald entered his eternal rest as an active member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Matthew is a Prince Hall Free Mason.

Matthew is survived by his loving wife Edith. HisDaughters Constance (Rishaud) McDonald-Gomes, Jennifer McDonald, and son Matthew McDonald.He also leaves Granddaughter Kai (Jason) Gomes-Brown, and Grandson Rishaud (Julie) Gomes.Great Grandson Isaiah Gomes. He is also survived by his sister  Betty Byrd. There are a host of special nieces and nephews, cousins, and life-long friends. Predeceased siblings include brothers Timothy “Bobby” McDonald, and (twin) Marion McDonald, and sisters Selima Harkless, Sally Allen, Nell Deas, and Norma Jean Williams.

Cherished niece Linda Sullen put it best. Our beloved Uncle, Father, Husband has been the “CORNERSTONE” of our family.

2 CORINTHIANS 4:6-7

“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”

2 CORINTHIANS 5:1

“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”

All services will be held on Friday August 8, 2025, in Fairfield, CT. The visitation will be held at Spear Miller Funeral Home from 10 AM to 11:30 AM. The funeral service will be held at St Paul’s Episcopal Church at 12:00 Noon. Interment will follow at Lawncroft Cemetery.