Robert F. MacDonald
WWII Army Veteran
TEWKSBURY: Robert Franklin MacDonald, age 90, recently of Methuen, formerly of Chelmsford, Billerica, Tewksbury and the Melrose area, passed away at the Academy Manor in Andover on Wednesday, February 24, 2016.
He was the beloved husband of Mildred D. (Webb) MacDonald, who passed away on December 14, 2007.
Born in Randolph, Maine on February 25, 1925, he was the son of the late Henry E. MacDonald and the late Ethel M. (Grover) MacDonald.
Mr. MacDonald was raised in Gardner, Maine. He later moved to the Melrose area and graduated from Melrose High School, and later attended Boston University.
In 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during World War II with the 668th Medical Clearing Company.
He was awarded several decorations for his military service including the Good Conduct Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, and the American Campaign Medal.
Following his honorable discharge from active duty, Mr. MacDonald worked as a Machinist beginning with the Univex Corporation and later with other companies including Spray Engineering, Kollsman, and MKS.
He was a member and past VFW District and Post Commander of the Tewksbury V.F.W. Post # 8164 and the Billerica V.F.W. Post # 8819.
He was an avid reader, enjoyed playing chess, and staying active in the VFW and veterans activities. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.
He is survived by three children, Robert MacDonald and his wife Rachel of Dracut, Sandra Morrissey and her husband Kevin of Tewksbury, and Dorothy Barbieri of Litchfield, ME; eleven grandchildren, Robert “Jeff” Morris, Donald, Steven, Kenneth and Samantha Morris, Amanda Barbieri, Richard Morrissey, Kathryn Perry, Robb MacDonald, Chelsea Vigeant, and Stephanie Downing; seventeen great grandchildren; one great great grandson; also numerous extended family members.
Mr. MacDonald was the brother of the late Leroy MacDonald and brother-in-law of the late Ruth MacDonald.
Calling hours are Saturday, Feb. 27th, from 2-5 p.m., at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. Funeral services and interment will be held in Maine at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial V.A. Hospital, www.bedfordva.gov, 200 Springs Road, Bedford, MA 01730.