Ronald McDonald

Ron was born Feb. 11, 1936, in Buffalo, to Ellery and Virginia McDonald.

He attended Lockport High School and was retired from General Motors in Lockport after 28 years. He worked in the wind tunnels testing radiators and the cars.

Ron was an avid hunter, he enjoyed building and racing RC Cars, working in the yard and Tuesday coffee with friends.

He was a local track champion, winning the Mini Stock Championship at Lancaster Speedway in 1971. He raced all around the Northeastern US and Canada with his sons Mike and Ronnie Jr., from Pocono, Virginia Speedway, Cayuga, Barre, Ontario Canada, Ransomville Speedway, Detroit Astrodome, Oswego, and Seneca SpeedwayÃ-just to name a few.

Ron was proud of his 1932 Ford Sedan with a 472 Cadillac motor! Appropriately named “Fordillac.” After retiring and racing he moved to Mayville where he was active with the Mayville Fire Department, Fire Police, and the Chautauqua County Fire Police.

He worked parttime at the Jamestown Harley-Davidson delivering motorcycles and helping out in the shop.

Ron is predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law; Marylin and John Meyers of Florida, and his first wife, Violet (Fitzner) McDonald of Lockport.

Ron is survived by his wife Cynthia of Mayville; two sons, Ronald K. of Lockport and Michael T. (Susan) McDonald of Akron, N.Y.; a step-son, Lee (Jackie) Cowan of Pittsburgh; a brother, David McDonald of Lockport and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

At Ron’s request there will be no prior visitation as he has made an Anatomical Gift to the University of Buffalo School of Medicine.

There may be a celebration of life at a later date at the convenience of the family.

Donations may be made to the Mayville Rescue Squad or a charity of one’s choice.

To leave a remembrance or to post condolences to the family, please visit freayfuneralhome.com.