John S. MacDonald, 85
Dateline: Dennis, MA
John “Jack” Stephen MacDonald, 85, of Dennis, died Tuesday May 5, 2020 with his family by his side.
He was born March 17, 1935 (St. Patrick’s Day – a good day for an Irishman) in Watertown, MA, the son of the late John and Kathleen (Dunlap) MacDonald of McKee’s Mills, New Brunswick, Canada.
Jack was the loving husband of Joan (Callahan) MacDonald, (of Arlington MA) to whom he was married for 58 years. In retirement, he and Joan moved to Cape Cod and settled in Dennis, MA where they enjoyed golf, Our Lady of the Cape Church, and warm summers.
A 1953 graduate of Watertown High School (MA), he was proudly inducted into the Watertown High School Athletic Hall of Fame for his state championships in track & field. With both track and academic scholarships, Jack went on to graduate in 1958 from Boston University with a degree in journalism, which served this wonderful storyteller well his whole life.
Professionally, Jack spent 32 years with Mrs. Smith Pie Company and eventually Kellogg Corporation as a VP of Sales. He loved his working years and the many friends that he met on this journey.
Jack was known for his sense of humor and sharing a good story. He was a strong athlete “loving” golf for most of his life. He was a big fan of all the Boston sports teams, and as an original Patriots season ticket holder, he loved the recent need for all our championship parades.
Jack is survived by his two children Eileen (Jim) Cooke of Mansfield, MA and Mark (Susan) of Newton, MA., his nephew Stephen MacDonald (Tricia) and niece Susan Rawcliffe (Jerry).
In his later years, Jack’s passion in life was his grandchildren. His role of Grampy to Alissa, Jack, Ethan, Marisa, and Gavin, brought him great joy for their grace, humor, athletics, and kindness.
Jack is preceded in death by his beloved brother Jim (Gloria) who has had a tee time waiting for him.
The family will honor Jack in a private service. But those that wish to honor his memory, please tell a loved one a funny story and make them laugh… as he would have liked that very much.
To send his family a message of condolence, please visit www.shermanjackson.com