Keith A. McDonald 1958-2026

He was born June 14, 1958, in Youngstown, a son of the late Jack McDonald and the former Helen Elizabeth Christoff.

Keith was a 1976 graduate of Boardman High School, where he was a member of the school band. He furthered his education at Youngstown State University, earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration.

He excelled as a benefits manager with AVI Food Systems in Warren, after working 24 years with Trustmark Insurance Co. as a second vice president of benefits, where he cared for a team of over 80 employees.

He married Rae Ann Elliott on June 9, 1990, with whom he shared a deep love for children. As a husband, he loved creating the foundation and space for his wife, Rae Ann, to shine, from her dedication to volunteer work to making every moment of their children’s childhood special. Their shared love also extended to volunteering in Sunday School for 35 years; the final 25 they worked side by side nurturing the spirits of 2-year-olds at Old North Church.

Keith created a steady rhythm in his home life and recreation. To say he was a creature of habit would be an understatement. His love for his home was evident in his meticulous yard work, seasonal decorations, and the garden he nurtured, especially pumpkins. Weekly church attendance, fall visits to Detwiler Farm, holiday celebrations with family and friends, vacations to Geneva-on-the-Lake, and attending the Ohio State vs. Michigan game with friends, were hallmark touchpoints for cherished memories each year.

In his later years, he found joy in his role as a grandfather and, through retirement, also spent his days as a substitute teacher, caring for kindergarten and first-grade students at South Range.

Keith lived a simple and quiet life. From the outside looking in, it appeared nothing out of the ordinary, exactly as he wanted it. But for those who were able to look inside, they knew how special that stability was. Even as he battled cancer, he very rarely showed signs of despair or pain. His consistent answer when asked how he was feeling during that battle was, “Oh, just a little tired.” He sought to display a sense of peace, and through the final days of his life, he succeeded. He went to the grave with hope and is now in the presence of his Savior.

Keith is survived by his wife, Rae Ann McDonald; daughter, Maggie McDonald; four sons, Jack (Olivia), Danny (Rachel), Charlie and Sammy McDonald, all of Canfield; two brothers, Chris and Kevin McDonald; six grandchildren, Theo, Judah, Elsie, Apollos, Juniper and Sage McDonald; and a niece, Michelle (Rob) Ehrhart.

A funeral service will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, at Old North Church.

Prior to the service, calling hours will begin at 10 a.m. at the church. Additional calling hours will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel, 3701 Starrs Centre Drive.

Interment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Keith’s memory may be made to the Hope and Glory Kids Club Inc.

Family and friends are invited to visit Keith’s obituary at www.higgins-reardon.com to share condolences or to make a donation to the Hope and Glory Kids Club Inc.

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