Scott McDonald Obituary

Scott Hubert McDonald, born on December 11, 1980, passed away on July 26, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of service, dedication, and love. He was the son of Susan G. (Wilcox) and Michael R. McDonald. Scott attended Chateaugay High School, graduating as part of the Class of '99. Soon after, he answered the call to serve his country, dedicating 21 years as an active-duty Army soldier. As a 19D CAV Scout, Scott completed four deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan between 2003 and 2014. His education was extensive in the military, including Basic Non-Commissioned Officer Course, Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer Course, Leadership Development Course, Anti-Terrorism Officer Course, Combat Life Savers Course, Drill Sergeant School and Master Resilience Training Course. He proudly wore many commendations for his bravery and commitment, including two Bronze Stars, three Meritorious Service Medals, five Army Commendation Medals, eleven Army Achievement Medals, the National Defense Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Combat Action Badge, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, Expert Marksmanship Badge, Air Assault Badge, and received the Order of Saint Maurice and the Knighthood in the Honorable Order of Saint George, which he held closest to his heart. Scott met the love of his life, Jennifer, while both were stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana, in August 2001. They married on August 17, 2002, in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin, and together they raised two wonderful sons. Scott was most proud of being a dad and loved anything he could do with his sons or as a family. He was a jack of all trades, fixing anything he could, from home repairs to bike and vehicle repairs, or machinery at work. Scott loved to lift weights and workout. He loved to deer-hunt, picking up the hobby after his retirement under the guidance of his father-in-law. Scott loved woodworking, which he learned from his dad. He was a loyal Washington Commanders fan, HTTR! Scott was an outdoorsman who loved most to be in the woods. He enjoyed yard work, too, especially making those "Nice lines!" After retiring from the military, Scott transitioned into the civilian sector, starting as a delivery driver for Pepsi. His strong work ethic and leadership skills quickly earned him the role of Operations Supervisor at WIS-PAK. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Scott was an ardent supporter of the Disabled American Veterans and a proud member of the U.S. Cavalry and Armor Association, and the National Infantry Association. Survivors include his wife, Jennifer; sons Liam (15) and Clay (9); parents, Mike and Sue; brother, Brian and his wife, Kristin; sister, Karen and her fiancé, Merrill; aunts and uncles, Bert and Brenda Wilcox, Janet Wilcox, Cindy and Roger Rousell, Terry McDonald; nieces, Adrienne, Courtney, Madison, Maci; as well as many cousins, who love him dearly and his Army brothers and sisters. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Hubert and Zilda Wilcox; paternal grandparents, Cyril McDonald and Joyce Silveri; uncles, Robert, Ronald and Gary Wilcox. A graveside service will take place at the Brainardsville Cemetery on Wednesday, August 20 at 2 p.m. A celebration of Scott's life will follow at the Brainardsville Community Center at 3 p.m. If you wish to send flowers, we kindly request you provide the funds to the Brainardsville Cemetery or Homeward Bound Adirondacks (PO Box 1100, Saranac Lake, NY 12983) which supports our military veterans.