Edward Ed Joseph Mcdonald

Ed McDonald (aged 80) died on October 5, 2026, in Richmond, Virginia, after a lengthy struggle with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s. Born August 14, 1946, in Auburn, New York, Ed graduated from Mount Carmel High School, Class of 1964. He loved the Finger Lakes, especially Owasco Lake, hiking, waterfalls, ice skating at Hoopes Park, performing at Emerson Park’s Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, dances on Deauville Island, and his stint working at Hunter’s Diner. Life eventually took Ed from upstate New York to NYC, California, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., Florida, and on to Virginia (his home since 1993).

Ed was a celebrator of life, love, nature, great music, art, animals, gardening, nourishing food, and all the best comforts (think feather pillows, ambient lighting, roaring fires, and homemade soups). He loved bringing theater characters to life … and wow, could he dance! He was an accomplished actor, performing more than 50 professional stock, regional theatre, and national touring roles all across the country—on stage, television, and in film. Ed performed at the National Theatre of the Deaf, Walt Disney World, Eastman Kodak, and Dogwood Dell, to name a few. Some of Ed’s proudest film moments happened on the set of Lassie (working alongside Richard Farnsworth) and in Lincoln, where Steven Spielberg, himself, chose to film Ed and boosted him from “extra” to a speaking role that made the final cut. Ed was also a prolific artist working in various mediums, as well as a renowned mask and puppet designer/performer. He was continually creating stunning, imaginative works thanks to his creative mind and abundant talent. Add to that, he was a figure skater, juggler, mime—and was phenomenally fun on a dance floor if there was a two-step, waltz, or zydeco playing.

Ed worked as an orderly in intensive care units and nursing homes, a resident manager teaching independent living skills to individuals with developmental disabilities, and later as first assistant to a doctor at the Clymer Health Clinic in Pennsylvania. Ed lived at the Watergate in Washington D.C. while serving as personal assistant to Senator Jacob Javits and retired Chief Justice David Bazelon. He was also an education specialist, workshop coordinator, and state-wide trainer for the New York State Office of MRDD. Ed loved his many years working in Rochester at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), developing and leading workshops for deaf students, supervising design and construction for deaf theater, voicing and choreographing for deaf actors, and serving as stage and box office manager. After moving to Richmond, Virginia, Ed served 25 years at Resources for Independent Living (RIL), providing life skills training, advocacy, and direct support to individuals with a wide range of disabilities. He also led gifted sign language workshops, art and exercise classes, holiday decorating efforts, and, with his colleagues, fantastic art shows and other special events. He was devoted to his RIL colleagues and clients who loved him, and he remained close with many for decades. Ed was also proud to have co-created and implemented original, renowned disability awareness programs for young children in both New York State and Metro-Richmond schools. Outside of work, Ed often spent time at the river or hiking in the woods—and regularly supported the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the Nature Conservancy, and the James River Park in Richmond.

Ed adored his dogs like family (beloved Abby, Molly, and Dice, among them). He is predeceased by his parents, Harold and Jessie M. (Nicht) McDonald of Auburn, New York; his sisters, M. Lynn Sincebough, C. Dale McDonald, and Sharon McDonald; and his brother, Robert “Bob/Bullet” E. McDonald. Ed is survived by several nieces and nephews and their children, including Robin McDonald (Auburn, NY), Eugene McDonald (Bradenton, FL), Melanie McDonald (Auburn, NY), Sherrie (Andrew) Szeto (Ithaca, NY), Patrick Sincebaugh (Orlando, FL), Kathleen Pressler (Minneola, FL); and many cherished friends and former classmates who became beloved members of Ed’s chosen family through the years.

Celebrations of Ed’s life will be held in Richmond, VA (Fall 2026 at the James River) and in Auburn, NY (Spring 2027 on Owasco Lake), with dates to be announced. To honor Ed, you might consider making a donation to any animal or environmental charity that lifts your heart, making a memorial gift to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, or simply spending time in nature rock balancing or soaking up the autumn leaves—you will feel his presence there! Ed’s love light shone like the sun. He leaves 80 years of the very best memories to uplift everyone he loved.