James A. MacDonald, 86, a longtime resident of Canton, died peacefully at home on Monday, September 16 surrounded by his family. He was the husband of the late Mildred G. (Kennedy) MacDonald. Born in Boston, he was raised in Roxbury and graduated from St. Patrick's School, Mechanic Arts High School and UMass-Lowell. Mr. MacDonald resided in Canton for over 40 years. He was a Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps and was a Veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He was a civil engineer for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for 38 years before retiring in 1988. A devout catholic, he enjoyed traveling, playing golf, playing cards, sports, a good scotch and good cigars. He also excelled in baseball and football as a young man.
Mr. MacDonald was the father of Claire M. Terry, John W. MacDonald, Thomas J. MacDonald and his wife Rachel and Susan M. Pulcini and her husband John all of Canton, James A. MacDonald and his wife Susan L. Buehler of Hopkinton, NH, Janice E. Rentel and her husband Edward of Milton, Barbara J. MacDonald and her partner Mary Barr of Easthampton, Joanne M. Horne and her husband Gary of Gloucester and the late Grace V. MacDonald. He was the brother of Walter F. MacDonald of Wareham, G. Robert MacDonald of Bedford and the late Catherine R. Barden and Barbara A. Dashner. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.
Funeral will be held from the Farley Funeral Home, 358 Park St. (Rt.27) Stoughton on Friday, September 20 at 9:15 AM followed by a Funeral Mass at St. John the Evangelist Church, Canton at 10:30 AM. Visiting Hours Thursday from 4-8 PM. Interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery, Brighton. Donations in James' memory may be sent to New England Center for Homeless Veterans, 17 Court St., Boston, MA 02108 or www.nechv.org.