Honoring a Legacy of Leadership: The Greg McDonald Foundation’s Mission to Lift the Next Generation

Some people lead loudly. Others lead by example. Greg McDonald was the latter, and his influence continues to ripple through the lives he touched and the community he loved.

Born and raised in Northeast Philadelphia, Greg was a natural leader from a young age. After losing his mother when he was just 10, he stepped into a guiding role within his family and never stopped caring deeply for others. He cherished life’s everyday moments with his wife and children, starting mornings walking the dogs near his home in Bucks County, collecting eggs from their chickens, or just soaking up time together as a family.

Greg lived by his own mantra: “be where your feet are;” a constant reminder to be present, engaged, and fully alive in every moment.

After a short but fierce battle with Stage IV Appendiceal Cancer, Greg passed away on October 10, 2023 at the age of 46. His legacy lives on through the foundation that bears his name and the countless lives he shaped.

Greg spent nearly 24 years professionally with the Philadelphia Eagles, where building relationships and stewarding positive culture was his true calling.

Patti McDonald, Greg’s wife and President of the Greg McDonald Foundation, shared this story with us:

“One story that truly captures who Greg was happened shortly after COVID, during a particularly busy Thanksgiving season. While shopping at Colonial Farms [a locally owned market], Greg listened as the owner shared how overwhelmed and understaffed they were. The very next day, Greg showed up and offered his help.

For two days, he worked alongside their team, driving the Colonial Farms truck, picking up food orders, and doing whatever was needed. This was someone who worked full-time in South Philly, coached multiple nights a week, had a family, and still found time to help a local business simply because they needed it. That was Greg—quietly stepping up, expecting nothing in return.”

Ice hockey was a passion that shaped Greg’s life. He starred as a player for the Father Judge Crusaders and Saint Joseph’s Hawks, and later became a USA Hockey Level 5 Certified coach, mentoring young athletes across local organizations.

Dedicated to empowering young people by removing barriers to participation, building confidence, and nurturing leadership, the Greg McDonald Foundation was established to carry on the work that Greg started. Through hockey scholarships, equipment donations, and community service, the Foundation helps kids stay in the game and develop character that extends far beyond the rink.

One notable collaboration is with Leveling the Playing Field, where equipment donation bins with both organizations’ logos collect gear that is redistributed to kids who need it most, ensuring more young athletes have access to the sport Greg loved.

Looking ahead, the Foundation is planning the Greg McDonald Leadership Conference in early 2027 at Saint Joseph’s University. This one day event for student athletes will focus on leadership, integrity, and resilience, continuing Greg’s lifelong commitment to helping others grow both on and off the ice.

There are many impactful ways to get involved. Donations of any size directly support scholarships, leadership programming, and equipment assistance. Community members can also participate in or sponsor events, volunteer their time, or share the Foundation’s mission with others.

“Greg had a way of making people feel seen, supported, and capable of more than they thought possible,” Patti shared. “His presence is still felt in so many ways, through this Foundation and through the lives he changed. God, I miss him.”

It is that enduring presence, rooted in service and leadership, that ensures Greg McDonald’s impact will be felt for generations to come.