TomSpoon 4 #1 December 8, 2013 One more of the pioneers is gone. Bob McDonnell D-10 and one of the original Golden Knights died this week. Blue skies Bob. His obituary: Robert J. "Bob" McDonnell, of Hardwood Ct., Glenwood, died Wednesday December 4, 2013 at his home at the age of 76. He was born April 4, 1937 in Buffalo a son of the late James and Gladys (nee Brown) McDonnell. He served in the U.S. Army from June 21, 1960 through October 30, 1963 and was a member of the Army Golden Knights. He received a Master's Degree in English Education from Buffalo State University and was an English teacher at Maryvale Central School in Cheektowaga for 32 years preceding his retirement in 1995. He was a member of the U.S. Parachute Association (license # D-10); the Parachutists over 60; was a judge for ParaSki Nationals and also skydiving competitions. He enjoyed reading, skiing and had run marathons. He is survived by his wife: Kathy (nee Brady) McDonnell whom he married July 13, 1971 in Amherst; four daughters: K'Lynn McDonnell (Jerry Nichols) of Mayville, Michelle (Michael) Flattery of Boston, NY, Melanie (Kevin) Rolf of Collins and Colleen (Eric) Jantzi of Orchard Park; two brothers: James (Dee) McDonnell of Lockport and Jack McDonnell of California; eight grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Patrick & Roy McDonnell and two sisters: Marilynn McDonnell and Arlene Wiltberger. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nndefense 4 #2 December 9, 2013 RIP, Bob! Mike Marcon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ERRR 2 #3 December 9, 2013 Wow, hate to see Bob go west. One of the truly nice guys that I had an opportunity to deal with during my time at Raeford. Blue Skies Bob! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TomSpoon 4 #4 December 9, 2013 Here's a picture of the original Golden Knights STRAC sport parachute team. Bob McDonnell seated lower right. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
popeyeughugh 0 #5 December 10, 2013 hey tomspoon,my dad owned gift of wings years ago we had a pilot bill mcdougal wonderin if you had any pics of him,could you give a shout back please thanks pete siclari Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JerryBaumchen 1,362 #6 December 11, 2013 Hi Tom, 3rd row, 3rd from left is Loy Brydon; I'd know him in a dark room. Just behind Loy's left shoulder ( very back row ) looks like a young Gerry Bourquin. Then two faces to the right ( very back row ) looks like Dick Fortenberry. Then two more faces to the right ( very back row ) looks like Coy MacDonald. How did I do? JerryBaumchen PS) We all were young once. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skyeyesprod 0 #7 December 11, 2013 RIP Bob, wish we could have one more day to sit down and talk about the old days. Sure going to miss you! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Usetawuz 1 #8 December 15, 2013 ...and the ranks keep getting thinner. Bob was a great guy and will be missed. RIP Bob, fly free my friend. _________________________________________ The older I get, the better I was! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lekstrom10k 0 #9 December 16, 2013 I got to jump eith Bob a few times at Napoleon MI a few summers ago. A real class gentlemen . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
