Darryl J. McDonald

Darryl J. McDonald, 75, of Manteno, passed away Saturday, January 25, 2025, at his home. He was born September 12, 1949, in Chicago, the son of James and Jeanie (Galbraith) McDonald. On December 22, 1974, he married Marie Wzorek in Chicago Ridge, Illinois. They enjoyed gardening, cooking, and taking daily walks throughout their marriage. The couple also enjoyed fishing, boating on the Wolf River in Wisconsin, and spending time at the trailer they rehabbed there. Darryl was a high school science teacher in the Chicagoland area, starting at catholic schools and making his way into the public school system. Throughout his teaching career, he did many things, such as being Department Chair of Science and coaching track and water polo. He enjoyed having many plants and fish tanks in his classroom, judging science fairs to which he loved bringing his daughter, and even forming a band with students and fellow teachers to perform at school functions. Being a lifelong learner, he went back to school many times and obtained three master’s degrees in education. He loved nothing more than learning and teaching. He enjoyed teaching people music, photography, and even carpentry. Music was his passion from a young age, and he learned how to play bass and later picked up piano, keyboard, and rhythm guitar. In his younger years, he also enjoyed running and swimming. Darryl appreciated art and enjoyed going to art fairs with Marie whenever possible. Darryl was an avid reader with an extensive vocabulary and was very comfortable with public speaking. He spent his mornings reading the Bible and praying. His favorite scripture to meditate on was Psalm 91, and he cherished the Book of Job. His family meant everything to him, especially his granddaughter Sophia, whom he couldn’t wait to spend time with. Darryl is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Marie McDonald; his daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Shane Hansen; his granddaughter, Sophia; and the many cherished friendships he made over the years. He was preceded in death by his parents, twin brother Dave, brother Brian, and sister Kim. Services are private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Darryl’s name to Samaritan’s Purse, https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/donate-online/