John F. “Jack” McDonald, 75, died peacefully surrounded by his family at their home in Cochituate on Saturday, May 21, 2022, following a courageous ten-year battle with cancer.
Born in Natick on February 7, 1947, Jack was the son of the late John F. McDonald and Mary Ellen (Sullivan) McDonald.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Laura J. (Hollett) McDonald of Cochituate. Jack was the beloved father of David John McDonald and his sons Peter and Patrick of Cochituate; James Ryan McDonald, his wife Alisha and their sons Liam and Finn of Medway; and the late Brian Francis McDonald.
He leaves behind sister-in-law Cynthia Hollett and her husband Randy Frost of Marstons Mills; Julia Hollett Courtney and her husband Tom of East Sandwich; David Hollett and his wife Beth of Sandwich; Jimmy Hollett of Norfolk and John Hollett and his wife Lisa of Sandwich. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Jack was a lifelong resident of Cochituate and graduated from Wayland High School with the Class of 1965. He stayed very close with his childhood friends and was grateful for their friendship throughout his life. He served his country with honor in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. Jack worked for the Town of Wayland beginning with the Wayland Park and Recreation Department and later the Wayland Water Department for over thirty-three years. Jack had a passion for antique cars and motorcycles over the years.
Family was the center of Jack’s life. He devoted his life to Laura and the boys. He spent countless hours coaching them while playing baseball, taking them bowling, having cook outs, teaching them to drive and giving advice as they grew. He and Laura lovingly cared for their son Brian together, anticipating his needs and ensuring his quality of life. Jack participated in many parent activities at the Boston College Campus School where Brian attended. He loved to spend time with his grandsons playing outdoors, watching cartoons, and finding joy in their antics.
Jack will be remembered as a kind and generous person and will be missed by all who knew him. He took the time to make others feel important and loved, and always had a smile and a story to share.
Visitation hours will be on Tuesday, May 31, 2022 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the John C. Bryant Funeral Home, 56 Pemberton Road (off Rt 30), Cochituate, Massachusetts. Interment services will be held at the McDonald family lot in Lakeview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to do so may remember Jack with a gift to the Boston College Campus School (www.bc.edu) and the Hemophilia Federation of America (www.hemopheliafed.org) .