Obituary

Dr. Gary Thomas McDonald, age 81, of Covington, Louisiana, passed away on Saturday, February 8, 2025. He was born on December 16, 1943, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Dorothy Ann Hardy McDonald; children, Erin McDonald (Jeff Walker) and Colleen McDonald; grandchildren, Meagan McDonald, Andrew Seese II, Harry Seese; and many extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, T.A. McDonald and Irene Trahan McDonald; sister, Marilyn Ann McDonald Vallette; and many extended family members and friends.

Dr. McDonald was a 1961 graduate of Jesuit High School and attended Loyola University and the University of New Orleans, earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Loyola in 1968 and a Master of Education from UNO in 1978. He spent a short time in the United States Navy before enjoying a long, successful career in dentistry. He was a longtime faculty member and administrator at the LSU School of Dentistry from 1968-2005 while still maintaining a private practice and seeing patients regularly. He ultimately retired from LSUSD in 2005 as associate dean for clinical and hospital affairs.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Dr. McDonald may be made to The Discalced Carmelite Nuns of Covington at https://www.covingtoncarmel.org/donations/.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral mass on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 12:00 PM at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 1501 West Causeway Approach, Mandeville, Louisiana, with visitation beginning at 10:00 M. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Abbey Cemetery, 75376 River Road, St. Benedict, Louisiana.

E. J. Fielding Funeral Home of Covington, Louisiana, is honored to be entrusted with Dr. McDonald’s funeral arrangements. His family invites you to share thoughts, memories, and condolences by signing an online guestbook at www.ejfieldingfh.com.