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Heaven gained another wonderful soul, John C. McDonald, Sr., affectionately known as "Mr. Freeze". John passed away on November 5, 2026 in Strong Memorial Hospital.
Born on November 6, 1950 in Jamestown, the son of the late Craig D. and Marjorie Bieber McDonald.
After graduating from Panama High School in 1968, John was drafted into the US Army in 1971, where he was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado and went on guard Rudolph Hess at Spandau Prison while stationed in Berlin, Germany.
Once discharged from the Army, John came home to own and operate Lewis Refrigeration Heating and Air Conditioning, where he dedicated 50 years serving various local businesses after attending the State University of New York at Delhi.
John and Deb spent a majority of their marriage exploring new restaurants and just enjoying their time together with friends and family. John was a 29 year Buffalo Bills season ticket holder and also a Buffalo Sabres fan. He was a proud member of several organizations including Bemus Point VFW, War Veterans Recreation, Sugar Grove American Legion, the LLAMA Club, the VVA, and the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club.
John is survived by his wife, Debra A. McDonald whom he married November 6, 1971; daughter, Jennifer (Troy) Swanson of Lakewood; son, John McDonald, Jr. of Ashville; sisters, Jean (Scott) Bean of Ashville and Mary (Matt) Ray Ashville; brother, Dennis McDonald of Lakewood; several nephews, nieces and cousins; and his bonus family members Kurt, Daniel, and Tanner Propheter.
Besides his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother, Chris McDonald and twin sister, Alice McDonald; and several aunts and uncles.
The family would like to thank all their close family and friends for the outpouring of support they have received over the last month.
A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions may be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/ or the Lakewood Kitten Rescue at Supporting Lakewood Kitten Rescue - Lakewood Kitten Rescue.
Visit www.lindfuneralhome.com to leave a message of condolence.