Somerled A. MacDonald, “Gus” formerly of Medford, died Thursday, March 1, at The Village at Waterman Lake in Greenville, RI. He was predeceased April 19, 2004 by his beloved wife Alma (Mattola) MacDonald, whose loss he felt keenly.
Mr. MacDonald was the elder son of Daniel Charles and Sarah Catherine (MacDonald) MacDonald, who were originally of Prince Edward Island, Canada. Somerled was educated in the public and parochial schools of Somerville and Lowell, Massachusetts and was a graduate of a two year apprentice training program at the Boston Naval Shipyard. He spent twenty years as a Ships Weapons Machinist at the Boston Naval Shipyard, until its closing in 1974.
Later he was a Massachusetts State employee as a Lock and Draw operator at the Charles River Dam, between the Museum of Science and North Station. Even later, he was a Courier for Century Bank in Medford, covering the Greater Boston area.
Mr. MacDonald is survived by his brother Bernard MacDonald (Elinor) of Brooklyn, CT, his nephew, Stephen MacDonald, his daughters Catherine and Amanda all of Arlington, VA and by his niece Sara MacDonald (Rob Barnett and his daughter Julia) of Summit, NJ. He is also survived by his wife’s nieces from whom he received much comfort during his wife’s illness, at her death, and since, Diane Dennis (Juan Sanchez ) of Winchester and Gale Fanciullo (Bobby Fanciullo) of Medford. During World War II (1942-1945) he served in the US Navy on a destroyer, USS Blakeley (DD150). Recalled for the Korean War (1950-1952), he again served on a destroyer, USS Putnam (DD757). He was honorably discharged from both tours as Machinist Mate Second Class, with all the appropriate area campaign and victory medals and the Good Conduct Medal. Mr. MacDonald was a 39 year member of American Legion Post 388, Somerville. He was also a long time member of the Irish-American Club of Malden (thanks to a fictitious Irish grandmother).
He was a continual reader all his life, with an interest in history, economics, and current events. He was a gentle man and a gentleman. He will be greatly missed both by the family he was born into and the family he was fortunate enough to marry into.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a graveside service at the Oak Grove Cemetery, 230 Playstead Road, MEDFORD Monday at 11 am and may visit with the family Monday from 9 to 10:30 AM at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford.