Kenneth J. McDonald

Kenneth J. McDonald of Wantage, N.J., passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021, at Morristown Medical Center. He was 76.

Born in Paterson to the late Richard and Evely (Ebneth) McDonald, Ken had lived in Sussex County for much of his life. He moved to Naples, Fla., where he spent several years before moving back to Sussex County in 2004.

Mr. McDonald had served in the Army National Guard for one year. He had been a self-employed home builder both in Florida and New Jersey. He was an active member of Lafayette Federated Church and a former member of Sussex United Methodist Church.

He was predeceased by his wife, Loretta McDonald, in 2013; his infant son, John in 1975; and his brother, James McDonald.

Ken is survived by his life partner, Joyce Smith; brothers, Dennis McDonald and his wife, Vera, of Toms River, N.J., and Frank Haak of Hackettstown, N.J.; sisters, Glenda Pepe of Lebanon, N.J., and Joan Vanderlaan of Clearwater, Fla.; sister-in-law, Marge McDonald of White House Station; and niece, who was like a daughter to him, Karen Pappalardo, her husband, Nic,k and their children, Nicholas and Kendra.

Visitation was held Oct. 16 at Pinkel Funeral Home, Sussex, N.J. Funeral services followed at the funeral home. Inurnment services were held Oct. 22 at North Hardyston Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.