Saratoga Springs, NY - John (Sen) James McDonnell, age 89, died at Wesley Health Care Center on Friday, February 13, 2015 of natural causes. Born on February 15, 1925, in Dublin, Ireland, he was the son of Patrick and Brigid (Sheils) McDonnell. John attended Christian Brothers Academy in Dublin, graduating in 1941. After graduation, he enlisted in the British army as a member of the King's Royal Rifle Corps where he was a proud member of the Infantry division. In his 16 years of military service, John served in WWII, in both Western Europe and North Africa from 1943-1945. After WWII, John was stationed in Palestine and served in the "Palestine War" through 1948. After his military service, he immigrated to the United States in 1962. It was in New York City where he met his wife of 48 years, Louise. In 1972 John and Louise relocated their family from New York City to Saratoga Springs where they lived for the next 40 years. John held positions with Fedder's Corporation and sold Triumph Automobile's prior to getting an opportunity to join Sony Corporation in 1967. He spent the next 25 years of his professional career in the electronics industry. Over the course of his career, John won numerous sales and marketing awards which provided a career progression that resulted in his last role as VP National Marketing Manager, Panasonic- Industrial Video Corp. Retiring in 1992, John and Louise relocated to Surfside Beach, SC, where they enjoyed going to the beach and entertaining family and friends when they came to visit. John was predeceased by his wife Louise. Survivors include sons Michael Gildea (Sharon), John McDonnell (Tanya) and daughters Patricia Fernet and Susan McDonnell Clare; grandchildren Candace Bousman, Bryan Fernet, Lauren Andreini, Sean Fernet, Brigid and Patrick Clare, Liam and Aidan McDonnell; great-grandchildren Lilith Fernet, Grace and Will Bousman and Finn and Henry Andreini. John is also survived by his twin sister, Nancy, brother Patrick, and sisters Kathleen, Jo, Derry and Rita all in Dublin, as well as his sister Sheila in London, England. John never forgot his Irish roots but was so proud to be here in America. He was a wonderful Dad who always put his family first. He loved to travel and had enjoyed taking his family on vacations. John loved to read, played a mean game of chess and was always up for a game of ping pong. He was the life of the party and at the end of the day would say or sing a few words in Gaelic which entertained us all. John will surely be missed! Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, February 20, 2015 from 5-7PM at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Funeral services will follow at 7PM at the funeral home. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers donation in John's memory may be made to The SPCA of Upstate NY, 588 Queensbury Ave, Queensbury, NY 12804 or the Wesley Foundation, 131 Lawrence St. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.