Obituary of Richard Donaldson, Sr.

Richard Donaldson Sr., son of the late Robert Franklin Donaldson Jr. and Lavenia Donaldson was born on November 30th, 1943 in Baltimore Maryland. He departed this life on Thursday, January 12th, 2023 after a lengthy illness. Richard was educated in the Baltimore city school system, and was a graduate of Dunbar High School. Richard pursued a career as an electrician employed with Hopkins, Armco Steel, Morgan State University, and later retired from The Baltimore Housing Authority where he performed at various locations. Richard can be remembered by his love for taking camping trips, cooking pepper steak, and working on his truck which he called "The Beast." He was also a proud member of The Van Master's Van Club and The Big Boys Social Club. On July 2nd, 2016, Richard was united in holy matrimony with Joette Franklin. She was his babe and he was her scrooge. From this union Richard gained three children whom he loved dearly. In addition to these things, Richard was a straightforward, direct, no nonsense person, yet he had a caring heart, especially for his grandkids. Of all that was known about him, one thing was known for sure, Richard was a sharp dresser; from suits, to hats, to shoes, to jewelry, he wore them all! In 1996, Richard accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior through the witnessing of his son, Rev. Dr. Richard Donaldson Jr. He was a faithful member of New Christian Memorial Church for over 20 years, under the leadership of the late Rev. Bronson. He served on the Trustee Committee, security ministry, and the male chorus choir. He was a helpful servant who was always on time to service. And he loved the Lord. Richard leaves to cherish his memory his wife; Joette Donaldson, three sons; Richard Donaldson Jr. (Michele), Mark Watts (Kim) and James Conic (Barbara), two daughters; Serenna Conic and Sharra Jackson, two grandsons; Richard and Joshua, seven granddaughters; Monet, Breia, Are'yana, Ariell, Jermyia, Jah'mire and Kor'sha, six great-grandchildren, two great great-grandchildren, sister, Deborah Donaldson, brother (preceded in death) Robert Donaldson Sr. and a host of relatives and friends.