John Callanan McDonald ’52

John Callanan McDonald ’52 died at home on April 12. John was born in Plattsburgh, New York, on May 15, 1930, and lived most of his life in upstate New York. He graduated from Port Henry High School and added a postgraduate year at the Irving School for Boys in Tarrytown, New York, where he played football, basketball, and baseball. At Dartmouth he graduated with a degree in history, played for the varsity football and basketball teams, and was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon and Sphinx. John then served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean conflict; following his service, he graduated from Albany Law School in 1958. He and Anne Evelyn Burleigh were married on August 20, 1964, in Ticonderoga, New York. During the next decade John built a private law practice in Essex County and in 1972 was appointed district attorney of Essex County. He was reelected to the position six times, serving until 1993, when he returned to private practice for the remainder of his career. John supported his local community through service in leadership roles for decades and was a member of several clubs and local organizations. John is survived by Anne; children Mary, John Jr. (and wife Andrea), and Bridget (and husband Donald); and four grandchildren. Brother Michael ’54 predeceased him.


Portfolio

Book cover Original Sin with photo of hands over face
Alumni Books
New titles from Dartmouth writers (July/August 2025)
Woman posing with art sculpture
Inspiration in the Adirondacks
Artist Catherine Ross Haskins ’94 transforms an old grain mill into a vibrant arts hub.
Comeback Story

Alumni first returned to campus for official reunions in 1855.

Illustration of woman in movie theater eating popcorn
Katie Silberman ’09
A screenwriter on storytelling in Hollywood

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