Robert P. McDonald, Sr.

Robert Paul McDonald, Sr.

January 11, 1932 – May 14, 2022

Robert Paul McDonald, age 90, of Needham, passed away on May 14th, 2022 surrounded by his family. Preceding him in death was his beloved wife Elaine (Magner) McDonald; his parents, James and Julia McDonald; and his brother Jim McDonald. He is survived by his children: Robert Jr. and his wife Tracy of Lexington, Steven and his wife Donna of Boston, and his son Michael of Needham. Also, his grandchildren: Bobby, Kyle, Steven Jr., Sean, Brianna, and Ryan; their significant others Lily Moore, Mike Sullivan, Kate Flanagin, and Kelly Hachey; great-grandchildren Luca and Kaeton; and numerous beloved extended family and friends.

Bob was born in Jamaica Plain on January 11th, 1932 to James and Julia McDonald, a working-class family. Bob’s father passed away when he was 10 years old, so he, along with his brother Jim, helped support the family by caddying at The Country Club in Brookline.

In 1949, Francis Ouimet lent his name to the newly formed Ouimet Scholarship Fund and Bob was among the first group of 13 people to receive a college scholarship. He majored in Engineering at MIT and was the first in his family to attend college. While at MIT, he met the love of life Elaine Magner of West Roxbury, whom he married on June 25, 1955. They remained married for over six decades. During his time at MIT he captained the golf team and also served in the U.S. Air Force. Later he would receive an MBA from Harvard Business School.

He was an avid golfer and a member of Charles River Country Club for the past 61 years, and was also a member of Jupiter Hills Golf Club. Over the years, he won many golf tournaments and registered seven hole-in-ones. During Bob’s construction career, he held the position of Vice President at Vappi Construction and Vice President/Northeast Regional Manager at Gilbane Building Co. In 1983, he joined Erland Construction as President/Owner. He remained President until 1999 and served as Chairman of the Board until present. He was a humble leader whose greatest satisfaction at work was to see the growth and achievements of other Erland Team members. Bob was exceptionally proud of the love and legacy of his Erland Family. He was also an active participant in the community, serving as Board member and President of Glover Memorial Hospital in Needham, Board member of the Associated Contractors of MA, President of MA Building Congress, President and Board Member at Charles River Country Club, Board Member at The Andover Companies, and a Trustee and avid supporter of the Francis Ouimet Fund.

Bob loved spending time with his wife and family, often traveling and golfing with them. He took great pleasure in seeing the development and success of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Funeral from the Robert J. Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home, 1803 Centre St. West Roxbury on Thursday May 19, at 9:00 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Theresa of Avila Church, 2078 Centre St. West Roxbury at 10:00 am. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours in the funeral home on Wednesday May 18, from 2:00 to 8:00 pm. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Francis Ouimet Scholarship fund at www.Ouimet.org

https://www.massgolf.org/news/21-bobmcdonald-ouimetfund/