Gregory McDonald's Obituary
Gregory Edward McDonald, age 64, of Davidson, NC, passed away on Saturday, June 1, 2019. He was born on July 15, 1954, the son of the late Edward McDonald and Rose McDonald Southard. Although Greg was born in Harvey, IL, his family moved often throughout the Midwest and Northeast during his childhood. Greg’s father passed away when he was 16, and Greg finished out his high school years living with his friend Charlie Arteglier in Morristown, New Jersey. His parents Charles and Doris Arteglier became Greg’s second parents and one day, beloved grandparents for Greg’s children.
Greg graduated from Boston College with a group of life long friends dubbed the “Whales,” and later earned his MBA from Duke University. On St. Patrick’s Day 1980, Greg met Anne Marie Sabalis at a party in New York City. In 1983 Anne and Greg were married in Charlotte, NC. Anne and Greg had two daughters, Kate and Kristen McDonald, and moved up to Davidson, NC, the town they have called home for the past 25 years. Greg’s life was devoted to his family. His career was in finance at Ingersoll-Rand and later ZF in Newton, NC and he sought to provide his family with the stability he missed in his own childhood. He was successful beyond measure, giving his daughters an idyllic and stable upbringing as part of the Davidson community. Greg enjoyed life’s simple pleasures—spending time in the mountains with his family, sailing on Lake Norman, and sharing a bottle of wine with good friends.
Greg survived testicular cancer in his thirties and was thankful for a cure which gave him 28 years to raise his girls. Four years ago, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He fought hard for more time with his family. The family is grateful for the doctors and nurses at Duke Cancer Center, where Greg underwent complex surgery by Dr. Rebekah White. The family wishes to express special appreciation for the empathic care of Dr. Reza Nazemzadeh and the staff at Levine Cancer Institute SouthPark. We will always remember your compassion.
In addition to his wife, Anne Marie, Greg is survived by his daughter Kate, her husband Jeffry Cook, and Greg’s granddaughter Ellison Cook of Alexandria, VA; his daughter Kristen and her husband Brian McSorley of Charlotte, NC; his sister Chris Beck of Elkton, FL; his brother Jeffrey McDonald of Jackson, WY; and many beloved sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. The love and support of family and friends made all the difference in Greg’s life.
A celebration of Greg’s life will be held at Davidson United Methodist Church on Saturday, June 15th at 1:00 pm, with the Reverend Linda Zastovnik officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Levine Cancer Institute (www.atriumhealthfoundation.org), the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org), for which “Greg’s Gang” raised nearly $10,000 last year, or the Merrie-Woode Foundation (https://merriewoode.thankyou4caring.org/Donate), which preserves the natural beauty of his favorite mountain retreat.
James Funeral Home is serving the family and condolences may be sent to them through their website at www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com.
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