Robert Thomas McDonald, age 77, a resident of New Canaan for 38 years, died on Thursday, October 22, 2015 at home with his loving family by his side. He fought a courageous battle with lymphoma for a year and always maintained a positive attitude. Born in Jersey City, NJ on May 1, 1938, he was the second child of the late William McDonald and Gertrude Flanagan McDonald. Robert was the husband of Barbara Brennan McDonald for 41 years. Robert earned his Bachelor of Engineering and Masters of Management Science degrees from Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ. He served two years in the U.S. Army. Robert worked as a project engineer for both US Gypsum and Nabisco in NYC. The majority of his career was with Clairol in Stamford, CT, a division of Bristol-Myers Squibb. He retired as Vice President of Operations. Robert was on the Board of ARI of Connecticut, United Way, and Stamford Area Commerce and Industry Association (SACIA). He was President of Bromley Village Association in Peru, VT. At St. Thomas More Church in Darien, CT he was a Lector and Eucharistic Minister. More recently, he was a Eucharistic Minister at St. Aloysius Church in New Canaan, CT and Waveny Care Center. Robert was a true family man. He was happiest when spending time with his wife, three sons, four grandchildren and relatives. He was referred to as the “mighty oak” of the family because he was so humble, strong, generous, and caring. Robert enjoyed skiing on Bromley Mountain and playing golf in Vermont. In addition to his wife, Barbara, he is survived by three sons, Robert McDonald Jr. and his wife Eliana of Needham, MA; James McDonald and his wife Jennifer of Saratoga Springs, NY; Thomas McDonald and his wife Lauren of Natick, MA; sister, Joan Hughes and her husband John of Clifton, NJ; and four grandchildren, Cailey, Sarah, Brendan and Ryan. Robert was predeceased by his brother William. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October, 26th, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Aloysius Church on Cherry Street in New Canaan. Interment will be private. Family and friends are welcome to visit the Hoyt Funeral Home, 199 Main Street in New Canaan, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 25th, 2015. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), Lymphoma Foundation of America and Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Fairfield County.