Daniel J. McDonald, Jr., 71, passed away on December 17, 2017 at St. Peter's Hospital after a brief illness. He was born on May 10, 1946 in Hudson, NY to the late Daniel and Winifred McDonald. He was a 1964 graduate of Hudson High School. After graduation he served in the U.S. Navy, being honorably discharged in 1968. He attended Columbia Greene Community College where he received a degree in Accounting. Dan worked for many years for Columbia County, retiring from the Social Services Department. He enjoyed sports, having played semi-pro football for a number of years for the Twin County Vikings. He spent many years volunteering for the Chatham Little League. He was a life member of the Ghent Fire Department, the Ghent V.F.W. and the Ghent Sportsman Club. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 39 years, Mary McDonald on December 10, 2015. Dan is survived by his sons, Sean, Miles, and Thomas McDonald, his grandchildren, Savannah, Galen, Liam, and Amelia; his brother Kevin and sister Michele Tran; and several nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, December 20, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the French, Gifford, Preiter and Blasl Funeral Home, 25 Railroad Ave, Chatham, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM on Thursday, December 21st at St. James Roman Catholic Church, Chatham, N.Y. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ghent Food Pantry. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.