1978
Tom McDonald
What is a Tom McDonald, you may ask? Well, I'll tell you:
When Thomas and Mary McDonald decided it was time to settle down and raise a family, they did just that. They had three children, one of whom turned out to be Tom. The other two were brother, Jack and sister, Loretta. The momentous occasion of Tom's entry into this world took place in Boston, Mass., but he wouldn't say when.
His formal education started in the same historic city, and was furthered at St. Johns Prep School in Danvers, Mass.
During World War 1, Tom entered into the world of business by going to work for a manufacturer of Naval Armaments.
After this, he decided that the field of transportation held a more promising future and went to work at a small garage in Medford, Mass., starting at the bottom and earning $8.00 per week.
After amassing his fortune, and knowing that his future was definitely in the automotive field, he moved to the heart and hub of the industry - New York City, offering it his vast store of knowledge. Tom's first position in the Big Apple was with the Texas Company, as an agent-manager of one of their stations.
After a while of learning that end of the business, he joined Bell Brothers Motor Service (Oakland Dealers) as a mechanic. With his excellent background and ability, he was able to prove himself in short order and in 1922, Tom was made Shop Foreman, at the very young age of twenty-two. At this time, he had a crew of fourteen mechanics working under him.
In 1924, Tom decided to try it on his own and opened a repair shop at 1624 Pacific Street in Brooklyn. He maintained this business for eight years, building himself a good reputation as an expert in the field.
His reputation was so good that in 1933 the American Bakeries Company requested that he work for them. He started with them as their Shop Foreman during the same year. Tom knew that this would be only a temporary position, and he was right. He remained there for only thirty-two and a half years, retiring finally in 1965 as their Fleet Supervisor.
The years from 1933 to 1965 were not all work for Tom McDonald. He managed to find time to play, too. In 1942 he married Eleanore McDermott, a bonnie lass, who presented him with three fine sons, Frank, Douglas, and Dermit.
As many of you know, Tom is one of the early members of the Society. Since 1948, he has always taken an active role, serving in many capacities, including the presidency. He has, from the beginning, tried to make the organization one, which meets with his high ideals and which, would attract others like him to our membership roll.
What are Tom and Eleanore doing now? They are still living on President Street in Brooklyn, where they have lived for the past 35 years. They are enjoying their beautiful grandchildren, Kathleen and Noel, as well as travelling a bit (Spain and Hawaii). And as any of us who attend meetings regularly know, Tom is still and active, interested, and involved member of our Society.
So, what is a Tom McDonald? He is the kind of Fleet Supervisor that we not only appreciate, but cherish as a member of our profession and organization - so much so, that we are taking this opportunity to show our gratitude and love by dedicating this Annual Journal to his honor.
From all of us, Tom, from the bottom of our hearts, good health, long life, happiness, and our sincerest best wishes and respect.
With the acknowledgment of the entire membership of the Society of Fleet Supervisors, Inc
Meetings
Wednesday, Sept 15th 2010
Immaculate Conception Center
7200 Douglaston Parkway
Douglaston, NY 11362
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Cocktail Hour at 6 PM - 7 PM
Dinner and Meeting at 7 PM
Members - $35 Guests - $45
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