John C. Mcdonel

John “Jack” C. McDonel, 72, of Walnut Bottom, formerly of Harrisburg, cast off and unfurled the sails of his soul on February 25, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. Jack was born on April 2, 1948 in Harrisburg, the son of the late John H. and Miriam N. (Bridger) McDonel. Jack was passionate about his family, he thoroughly enjoyed sailing, working on his Craftsman Style “Cottage”, “puttering around” at home, and entertaining and feeding friends and family at get-togethers. He was a loving husband to his wife, Christine M. (Meunier) McDonel, an attentive father to his son, Micah McDonel and his step-son, Cole Robison. A 1966 graduate of William Penn High School in Harrisburg, PA, he also attended Harrisburg Area Community College. He retired from the PA Department of Labor and Industry (Unemployment Compensation) with over 30 years of service. As a younger man he was employed by Bethlehem Steel in Steelton, PA. He also owned and operated the “Orpheus” Night Club in Harrisburg with his brother, Jeffery McDonel. He had a lifelong love and appreciation for Classic Cars, the most favored of which was his 1971 Lotus “Elan”. Jack was both a “man's man”, and a “soft touch”, his quick mind, sarcastic wit, attention to detail, and fantastic stories will be missed by all. Although a man of relatively few words, when Jack spoke people listened, and his booming baritone will forever echo in the ears and hearts of those who knew and loved him. Jack is survived by his wife, Christine; his sons Micah, of Boston, MA and Cole of Santa Fe, NM; two sisters, Joy Lustig and Jillanne McDonel, both of Harrisburg; one uncle, Richard Bridger of Chesapeake, VA; a cousin, Cherri Feinis of Virginia Beach; his mother-in-law, Mariclare Meunier; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Robert and Ann Maskrey of Stroudsburg, PA, and Tom and Clare Moses of Bolton, MA; three nieces; two nephews; one grandniece; two grandnephews and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jeffery Mcdonel. Professional services are entrusted to Dugan Funeral Home and Crematory, 51 Asper Drive, Shippensburg, PA. Due to Covid restrictions, a memorial service will be held at the discretion of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the following: Habitat for Humanity Harrisburg (https://harrisburghabitat.org/); Rainforest Trust (https://www.rainforesttrust.org/) or Chesapeake Conservancy (https://www.chesapeakeconservancy.org/donate/).