Paul R. MacDonald, Sr. a lifelong resident of Winchester, passed away peacefully following a short illness, November 8, 2016, at the Melrose Wakefield Hospital. He was 79 years of age. Born in Winchester he was the cherished son of the late Archibald J. and Marion R. (Connolly) MacDonald.
Paul was raised in Winchester and attended St. Charles School. He was a graduate of Malden Catholic High School where he excelled as a member of the Basketball Team. Following high school he continued his studies and playing basketball at Merrimack College before entering St. John's Seminary for a year. Paul enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1960 and honorably serving until 1964. He then began working for the United States Postal Service as a letter handler and retired as a supervisor in 1991. Paul's strong Catholic faith always gave him great comfort. He was an active parishioner of the former Immaculate Conception Church and over the years attended mass there on a regular basis. Paul was an avid sports fan and for years he participated in local men's softball and baseball leagues. Paul enjoyed gardening, listening to Irish music, spending time with family at York Beach, ME and attending Friday night football games with his son and granddaughter. For many years he also looked forward to annual trips to Saratoga, NY to enjoy the thoroughbred races with his friends. Paul was a member of the Irish American Club of Malden, the Towanda Club of Woburn and the Winchester Knights of Columbus.
Paul was the devoted father of Catherine A. Murray of Woburn, and Paul R. MacDonald, Jr. and his wife Jody of Winchester. He was the beloved grandfather of Jennifer L. MacDonald of Winchester, Lacey E. Murray and Richard P. Murray III, both of Woburn. Former husband of the late Regina (Glennon) MacDonald. Longtime loving companion of Josephine Doherty of North Reading. Brother of the late Archie J. MacDonald and his surviving children. Cousin of Ruth Ring and her husband Bill of Woburn. Loving "Uncle Paul" to Marianne Motroni of Woburn, Melissa Ring of Marblehead and Maureen Cannon of Maynard.
Funeral services will be held from the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Family Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., WOBURN, Wednesday, November 16th, at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Charles Borromeo Church, 280 Main St., Woburn, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Tuesday from 4 thru 8 p.m. Services will conclude with burial at Calvary Cemetery, Woburn. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Paul's memory to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 101 First Ave., Waltham, MA 02451.