Leo D. McDonald

It is with both sadness and great hope in the promises of Christ that Derek and Emily (DeJulio) McDonald announce the death of their son, Leo David McDonald, 10, of Ste. Marie Parish, Manchester, NH. 

Leo was a lifelong resident of Manchester, born at Catholic Medical Center on August 13, 2014. He passed away peacefully at home September 25, 2024, in the loving arms of his parents, ten months after a brain cancer diagnosis. He is survived by Emily and Derek, and his younger brothers Maximilian, John-Paul, Vincent, and Ambrose, as well as many other devoted family members and friends. 

Leo did not want to be associated with his affliction, he didn’t want to be treated differently, and he wasn’t up for championing a cause. But through his private, prayerful bearing of his cross, he drew many others to prayer, in his community and, indeed, across the globe.

Leo would likely want to be remembered as an aspiring paleontologist, a career path he decided on before he could even say the word. He was the McDonald household’s Lego-master-in-residence, assembling sets and improvising with alarming speed. Leo loved altar serving at Mass each week. He was a skilled pianist, performing an impressive solo concert in the spring of 2023. Leo also had a passion for comedy, writing and performing a stand-up routine (complete with adhesive mustache) for a recent homeschool talent show. He was a wonderful student, an enthusiastic soccer player, and an exceptional artist. Listening to dad’s stories, drinking “honey tea” and reading books with mom, and enjoying all things Star Wars with his brothers were a few more of his favorite pastimes. A real highlight for Leo was attending Don Bosco Boys Camp at Christ the King Parish, Concord, NH, where he particularly enjoyed the camaraderie, refining his joke-telling, and countless games of capture the flag.

The list goes on, but Leo’s crowning quality was the way he loved others so attentively and thoughtfully. He often created personalized greeting cards, for example, demonstrating an appreciation for a recipient’s special quality or interest.

Through it all, Leo showed deep faith, he was an incredible big brother and friend, and he will be sorely missed. His parents trust that Leo will continue to bring beauty to the world for the greater glory of God. They rejoice in the gift of his life, and look forward in hope to reuniting with him someday.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be held on Monday, October 7, 2024, from 4 – 8 p.m. at St. Joseph Cathedral, 145 Lowell Street, in Manchester, NH. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, 10 a.m. at. Ste. Marie Church, 378 Notre Dame Avenue, in Manchester, NH. Committal prayers and interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, in Manchester. 

Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium assisted the family with arrangements. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or for more information please go to https://phaneuf.net/