Leo McDonald

Obituary

Rev. Leo Vincent Peter McDonald was born on June 16,1933 to Thomas and Catherine McDonald (both deceased) of Philadelphia. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Catherine, née McDevitt, his six children, Leo (Barbara), Catherine “Cathy” Horvath (Gary), Daniel (Nancy), Vincent (Greta), Thomas (Laura) and Theresa Suplee (Marshall), as well as 37 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his younger sister, Rita Clegg (Ronald), along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his twin brother Thomas (Dolores) and younger brother Martin (Elizabeth). Leo was promoted to heaven on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at his home in Maple Shade, NJ. 

Leo attended Ascension of The Lord Catholic School in Philadelphia and graduated from Temple University High School. He served in the US Army in Korea from 1953-1955. He came home to marry his sweetheart Catherine (“Kay”) in 1956. He later graduated from Philadelphia College of Bible and Trinity Theological Seminary. He worked as an office manager at Transilwrap Plastics of Philadelphia from 1960-1983. In 1983 he was ordained to the gospel ministry and served as Pastor in Masonville, NJ, Alexandria, VA, and then Immanuel Baptist Church in Maple Shade, NJ from which he retired in 2003 - but as a Pastor he never really retired.

He was a hardworking, dedicated father to his children, and with his wife Kay, provided a very stable, loving and secure home. He poured himself into all of his endeavors and usually rose into leadership, whether it be the Army, secular employment, service to the church as a layman, and eventually as Pastor. His life was all about loving and serving Jesus, in whose presence he is now rejoicing.

His life will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 27, at the Immanuel Baptist Church in Maple Shade, NJ. Visitation will be from 9:00 - 11:00 AM, followed by a memorial service from 11:00 - 12:00 PM. Arrangements by the MARK C. TILGHMAN FUNERAL HOME, Maple Shade. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Immanuel Baptist Church, 233 E. Main Street, Maple Shade, NJ 08052, in memory of Rev. Leo V. McDonald.