Donald Alexander MacIsaac, 86, passed away peacefully at home on July 17, surrounded by his loving family, with his faithful dog by his side, following complications from Parkinson's disease.
Don was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 21,1940, to Catherine Pennie and Alexander MacIsaac. He graduated from Jamaica Plain High School, where he discovered two lifelong passions: baseball and cars. Don often joked that baseball was his first love until he discovered automobiles, and he was especially proud of his "second base hands." He remained a devoted Red Sox fan throughout his life.
After high school, Don enlisted in the United States Army. Stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, he taught Nike Ajax Missile Systems to both domestic and foreign military personnel, a role that reflected his intelligence, confidence, and natural ability to teach others.
Upon returning to Boston, Don began his career at Blake & Rebhan Stationers, where he quickly became the company's top salesperson. His entrepreneurial spirit soon led him to establish MacIsaac Office Products in 1975. Through his vision, determination, and the dedication of an exceptional team, the company grew into the largest commercial office supply distributor in New England. Don served as an officer in several industry organizations and was a graduate of the Harvard Business School Owner/President Management (OPM) Program. Recognizing the changing landscape of the industry, he sold MacIsaac Office Products to Staples in 1994.
Don married Carol Lennox in 1960, and together they welcomed three children. In 1979, he re-married, beginning a life with his second wife Barbara Mallorie, with whom he shared the next 47 years. Together they raised two children and made their home in Wellesley, where they formed lifelong friendships through the Wellesley Newcomers Club and many spirited bridge games.
Don was a longtime member of Wellesley Country Club, where he cherished countless rounds of golf and the friendships he built over the years. In more recent years, Don could often be found at the Wellesley Senior Center, enjoying games of pool with his "pool pals." He also felt deeply grateful for the opportunities he was given as a child at Agassiz Village Camp, later giving back by serving as a trustee of the organization.
Don loved to travel with his family, but perhaps his greatest joy was creating a family gathering place on Lake Winnipesaukee. As one of the original members of Lake Winnipesaukee Golf Club, he spent countless happy days golfing, boating, skiing, playing cards and games, and simply enjoying time with the people he loved most. Those summers created memories that will remain one of his greatest gifts to his family.
Above all else, Don loved his family and he was so proud of his children and grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Phyllis; his brother, Richard; and his cherished daughter, Donna.
He is survived by his beloved wife Barbara and their children Jennifer Lord, her husband Dustin, and children Caroline, Robbie and Johnny; Christopher, his wife Amanda and baby due in August; and Don’s first wife, Carol D’Alessandro and their children David, his partner Nicole Bassila O'Brien, and his children Brianne, her husband Michael Gallen and son Patrick James, Stephanie, Jillian Davis, her husband Jack and son John III, and David Jr.; Jason, his wife, Rose, and their children Hunter, Cole, PJ, Mary Kate, and Mady; and his son-in-law, Robert McIntosh and his daughter Sarah, her husband Justin Strazdas and son Finley. He is also survived by his brother, Joseph.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Don's life during calling hours at Wellesley Country Club, 300 Wellesley Avenue, Wellesley, on Tuesday, July 21, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. (No denim, please). A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 22, at 10:30 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 309 Washington Street, Wellesley, followed by a luncheon.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Don's memory may be made to Boston Community Pediatrics (www.bostoncommunitypediatrics.org/donate) or Agassiz Village (www.agassizvillage.org/support-us), two organizations that reflect his lifelong belief in creating opportunities for others.