Richard C. MacDonald

     Richard “Rick” MacDonald, 77, of Rowley passed away on January 15, 2024. Rick was born at Salem Hospital on February 1, 1946, to the late Edward and Alice MacDonald. Rick had a zest for life. He had a way of making people feel special and never hesitated to lend a helping hand. You weren’t just known by him; you were loved by him. He will be missed by all who knew him. 

     Rick was a 1964 graduate of Newburyport High School in Newburyport, MA. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy where he served from 1964-1968. He worked on the naval air station at Patuxent River in Maryland. The last few months of his tour he played for the base softball team. This led to a lifelong passion for softball.

     Upon returning home, Rick attended Boston State College and Salem State where he met the love of his life, Mary Ellen Day. They soon had two sons and settled into their lifelong home in Rowley. Rick began his career as a teacher, and then spent 9 years working for the Sanitation Company of Boston. Later in life, he returned to teaching at the Triton Regional School until he retired in 2011.

     Rick had an insatiable passion for sports. He began playing basketball at a young age and continued through adulthood where he played in many adult men’s leagues. He played softball and was an avid boater, golfer, and skier. Rick coached many teams, soccer, ice hockey, lacrosse, and basketball. There wasn’t a sport he didn’t love.    

     Rick lived life to its fullest and made the most of every moment. He loved good food, good people, and above all else, he loved his family. When he wasn’t traveling, supporting his community, or participating in one of his many activities he could be found spending time with his grandchildren or watching them play one of a variety of sports. He adored them and cherished every moment with them. They loved him deeply and will miss him immensely. 

     Rick is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen MacDonald (Day) of Rowley, MA, son, Colin MacDonald, and his wife Megan MacDonald of Hancock, ME, his son Aidan MacDonald and his wife Olivia MacDonald of Rowley, MA, his brother John “Red” MacDonald and his wife Judy MacDonald of Rowley, MA, his grandchildren, Eamon, Conor, Oran, Grainne, and Desmond, his niece Jennifer Kissinger, and his nephew Eddie MacDonald. He was predeceased by his brother, Robert MacDonald.

     Calling hours will be held Friday, January 19, 2024, from 3:00-7:00 p.m., at F. S. Roberts & Son Funeral Home, 14 Independent Street, Rowley, MA. Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., at Saint Mary Parish, 202 Main Street, Rowley. Interment will be private. To light a memorial candle or to offer a message of condolence to the family, please visit www.fsrobertsandson.com.

     In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either of the following charities: St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Disabled American Veterans.

Arrangements are Entrusted to F. S. Roberts & Son Funeral Home
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