Geri MacDonald Obituary (1938 - 2025)

It is with great love and deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved father on Sunday early morning on March 16, 2025. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and veteran. . He leaves behind a remarkable legacy of love, service, and dedication. Geri's life was a rich tapestry of service and love. His enduring commitment to his country was evident in his distinguished 26-year career with the United States Navy, rising to the rank of Master Chief. His outstanding service was recognized with numerous awards including the Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, six Bronze Stars, National Defense Service Medal, two Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, and a Humanitarian Service Medal. Following his military career, Geri continued to utilize his skills as an engineer and took on a second career as the Director of Engineering at the University of Southern California (USC). Geri was married to his beloved wife, Susan, for 56 years before her passing in 2013. Susan was the love of his life, and their enduring bond was an inspiration to all who knew them. In the years following, his companion Eric—a loyal Schnauzer—brought him comfort and joy, proving to be a true blessing in his life. He is survived by his five children: Laurie MacDonald-Treiber (Dan Treiber), Lisa Schaeffer, Diane Vella (Dominic Vella), John MacDonald (Babette MacDonald), and Jim MacDonald (Agnes MacDonald). He also leaves behind eight grandchildren—Monica Scott, David Schaeffer, Dominic Vella, Marie Perreria, Jerry Vella, Jessica MacDonald, Andrew Treiber and Danielle Treiber—and 18 great-grandchildren: Liam Scott, Leo Perreira, Norah Perreira, Lauren Vella, James Vella, Hailey Vella, Dustin Vella, Logan Vella, Quinn Vella, Clark Vella, Claire Vella, Baby Dominic Vella, Kendall Schaeffer, Kolby Schaeffer, Collin Schaeffer, Connor Schaeffer, all of whom he adored with his whole heart. Strong, giving, and always available with wisdom and advice, Geri was the anchor of his family. He was a homebody who cherished his time with loved ones more than anything else. His memory was vivid and sharp with an uncanny ability in recall, paired with his meticulous attention to detail, reflected his loyal and steadfast nature in all he did. Geri's impact on his family and the lives he touched will be felt forever. As the foundation of a close-knit family, his spirit lives on in the memories and love shared by those he held dear. May he rest in peace, reunited with his beloved Susan and eternally surrounded by the love he gave so freely. As we mourn his loss, let us take comfort in the knowledge that his spirit will forever be with us, guiding us and watching over us. As we remember Geri, we invite you to leave memories and upload photos to the memorial page. In the words of Psalm 147:3, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." May we find comfort in our shared memories of Geri and in the knowledge that his love and legacy live on in each of us.