Scio, New York
Wallace A. “Pete” MacDonald – 86- passed away July 23, 2022 surrounded by his loved ones.
Born June 23, 1936 in Farmington, CT, Pete had an early affinity for agriculture that was fostered by his work with dairy cows. This love of farming led him to major in animal science/agricultural education at U-Conn where he obtained his Master’s degree. This is also where Pete met the love of his life, Kathleen (nee Daley).
Alfred became their home in 1960 at the conclusion of their honeymoon as Pete had a job waiting for him as a professor of dairy science at Alfred Ag Tech (now Alfred State College). This is where they made their home and raised their three children, Dan (Jessie) MacDonald, Tim (Donna) MacDonald, and Patricia (Alan) Eshelman on the landmark EIEIO farm. The farm set the stage where his six grandchildren (Anna, Erica, Olivia, Aidan, James & Benjamin) climbed on the hay bales, found new kittens, and listened to “Bampa’s” lessons.
He is also survived by his sister Anne Jednorowicz, along with many nieces and nephews. Pete is pre-deceased by his sisters Mary Guild, Muriel Judd, and Dossy Colevecchio.
Pete was known for his treasured flock of sheep, his skill with knitting needles, his passion for education, and his quick opinion. He loved to sing to his favorite musicals, kick up his heels to a lively tune, and arrange flower bouquets for the church.
Throughout his life, Pete was involved in many board positions, including the New York State School Board, Rural Schools Association, Empire State Sheep Producers, and the New York State BOCES School Board. He also was an active 4-H leader and livestock and dairy judge.
The family of Wallace A. “Pete” MacDonald will receive friends on Tuesday from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 11:00 AM at St. Jude’s Church on the SUNY Campus, reception to follow. A private burial with immediate family will follow on Thursday at Alfred-Rural Cemetery.
Pete’s family request is that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Pete’s name to the CCE Allegany County 4-H Program, 5435 County Road 48, Belmont, NY 14813 or to the Bolivar–Richburg WEE Center, 100 School St., Bolivar, NY 14715. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com
We are sending love and hugs from Germany to all the wonderful MacDonald family, especially Kathleen. Pete was a dear friend to our family and mentored us in ways of caring for farm animals. He was amazing in his memory of everyone’s birthdays! Gatherings after haying and for afternoon coffee in the kitchen were always made extra special by Kathleen’s baked goods! “You, Lord, are our shepherd; we shall not want…for You are at our side.” Rest in verdant pastures, Pete!
We have lost a great friend. We owe so much to a beautiful soul! From the first week we arrived in Alfred we were honored to have counted Pete as our friend. We shared so many meals and grand times with him, Kathleen and the family members! Haying and shearing were a community ritual! He and Kathleen made work fun. He fostered a great love of the nature and appreciation for farming. He gave our children the greatest lessons in life. By helping us all learn that life is beyond our control and all you can do at the end of the day is the best you can do! Looking over a mowed field with the hay in the barn is a gift. You can’t pay for that expression of accomplishment.
Pete appreciated the little things in life and passed that excitement on to the rest of us. From a new lamb to a new stitch, to participation in the Allegany Fair, to a great birthday card, Pete loved it all.
He was an inspiration when he became ill and faced it without resentment. He will be missed deeply and remembered often.
Kim and Bob Donius (and our family)
Pete was a wonderful long-time colleague at ASC and a great advocate for students. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
Betty and I are saddened by Pete’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. He has been a significant influence in our lives since we first met him in the 1950s. Pete was my Best Man at our wedding and has been a constant friend ever since. He loved his God, his family, his sheep flock, and his church family. He was always able to offer encouragement, and he greatly enjoyed keeping in touch with former students and colleagues, knitting, reading, and solving puzzles (especially crosswords and jigsaws). He has made our world a much better place!
We are so sorry to hear of Pete’s passing. What a wonderful, kind man he was. We always loved seeing him at the Wollenberg Family Reunions. At the last reunion, he brought hand made wool hats for the family that we will always cherish. He will be missed.
Love from Adam and “Snooker” Wollenberg, Enfield CT
We were very saddened to hear of Pete’s passing. I always enjoyed speaking with Kathleen and Pete after church on Sunday mornings. We may have lost a good person here on earth, but Heaven has gained another Angel. He will be watching over everyone.
I am so sorry to hear of Pete’s passing. I didn’t know him super well or for all that long. But what I do know is that he was a wonderful, kind, caring, all-around good-natured person. I always admired his knitting skills and liked his sense of humor. I recall there being lots of laughs and even some good stories when he was in attendance at Thursday Knit Night. May his family and friends be wrapped in God’s loving arms and find comfort there.
Pete was a good and kind person. A colleague of my husband Pete Nye at Alfred State college.
My thoughts are with you Kathleen and your family. Thinking of all of you at this sad time.
Joan Nye
I am so sorry to hear of Pete’s passing. I last saw him at a family reunion a few years ago – an occasion he would never miss! I always enjoyed the great family stories he shared, told with lots of love and a charming sense of humor. Sincere condolences, love and prayers to Kathleen an the rest of his family.
With love,
Molly
Dr. MacDonald was one of my professors at ASC. Although he wasn’t one of my favorites, you could be sure that what he was teaching was accurate and true. And that what he was teaching was important. I met up with him at an event probably 20 years after sitting in his classes and he remembered me, which says a lot about how much he cared about his students.