James Flash McDonald

    James “Flash” McDonald, 87, of Minersville,  passed away on Monday morning at his home, surrounded by his family.

  Born October 22, 1936, Flash  was the son of the late Charles and Genevieve McDonald and the nephew of the late Margaret Smith.

  Flash is survived by his wife of 62 years, Lorraine  (Gilbert); 3 daughters, Kimberly and Heather McDonald and Tammy Gerenda and her husband Charles;

5 grandchildren, Taylor, Riley, Carly, Hayden and Spencer and 2 great grandchildren, Charleigh and Cal.

  Flash attended the former Pottsville Catholic High School and Penn State University, graduating in 1958. He worked for the Pennsylvania State Dept. retiring at the age of 62. He also worked at the Holden Insurance Co. and the Kerwick Insurance Co.

   He was a life-long sports fan, supporting Notre Dame athletics and Philadelphia Phillies.. Flash played baseball in his youth and softball for Butch & Carol’s and also Macario’s  teams. He played on the “‘Old Folk’s Team” at age 71.

He was a beloved coach for the Minersville Little League program, Nativity BVM High School and Pottsville High School. He started the Clover Club Girl’s softball team and assisted in the initiation of the Pottsville Girl’s  softball program. His passion for the game lived on by supporting his grandchildren and great grandchildren at practices, games and tournaments for over 40 years..

Flash was instrumental in bringing Irish singers like Tony Kenney and Andy Cooney to the Pottsville and Minersville areas as well as Irish dancers to instruct local girls in Irish dancing.  Flash was past vice president of the Pottsville Jaycee’s, and vice president of the Pottsville  Ancient Order of Hibernians. Flash received the honor of  “Irishman of the Year” and  planned 4 large trips to Ireland. His continued love for Ireland and his heritage was broadcasted on the ‘Orange and Green Radio Show” with Tommy Symons every Sunday for 14 years on WPPA.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday at 9AM in St. Michael’s Church of Holy Family Parish. Relatives and friends can call on Monday evening from 6 to 9 PM and on Tuesday morning from 7 to 8:15 AM at the Donald J. Butler Funeral Home, 328 Sunbury St., Minersville  In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions to the Pottsville Ancient Order of Hibernian’s, P.O. Box 196, Pottsville, Pa. 17901. Contributions will also be accepted at the Funeral Home..                      

The family also extends a special thanks to the Advantage Hospice Crew. To offer condolences to the family or to light a candle in Flash’s memory, visit us at donaldjbutlerfh.com. 

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