Patrick J Mcdonald

Patrick J. McDonald, 77, of Akron passed away on August 14, 2022. He was born to parents, Francis and Gertrude on December 18, 1944 in Akron, Ohio. He was one of eleven children.

He graduated from Archbishop Hoban High School in 1963. As he was fond of saying, before they let the girls in. He was class vice-president, and captain of the swimming team. He got his BA in Education from Akron University, which he attended on an athletic scholarship for swimming, then his master's from Kent State. He was inducted into the Hoban Hall of Fame, the Akron University Hall of Fame and the Summit County Hall of Fame for his swimming career.

Patrick worked as a high school teacher (most of his teaching career was with Akron Public Schools) and swim coach for many years. Even long after he retired he couldn't go anywhere without running into one of "his kids". He didn't always remember their names but he usually had a story about them. And they usually had one about him.

Patrick is survived by his wife, Ann Geisinger McDonald. They met on an almost blind date in college. He refused to go on the date without seeing her first, but he must have liked what he saw. They were married for fifty four years. He is survived by six sisters, Caral, Judy, Sheila, Mary, Maggie and Anne; three brothers, Chuck, Tony and Bobby; daughters, Beth Poalson, who he always said was his number one, Caryn McDonald, who got under his skin like no one else but for whom he cared in a way she will never be able to replace; son, Steven (Cristina) McDonald whose service and strength of character where his pride and joy; granddaughter, Cassidy Poalson, who will miss her Tuesday afternoon movie dates with Papa; grandson, Kai McDonald, who he never got to spend enough time with, but always bragged about; unborn grandson, that he will never get to meet. He was preceded in death by so many people he loved but most notably his sister, Diane McDonald Seed; grandson, Maverick McDonald and son-in-law, Matt Poalson.

Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. Friday, August 19, 2022 at Park United Methodist Church, 2308 24th St. SW, Akron, Ohio 44314. A Memorial Service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, August 20, 2022 at the church with Pastor Steve Partridge officiating.