Ronald A. “Al” Macdonald, 89, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2026. He was the beloved husband of the late Rose Pandolph Macdonald, with whom he shared 51 years of marriage.
Born in Somerville, Al came from humble beginnings and built a good life for himself through hard work, determination, and an incredible knack for figuring things out. He had a talent for learning how to do just about anything. Skilled in carpentry, plumbing, and mechanics, he was the person family and friends always went to whenever something needed fixing or building. Even in retirement, he continued sharing his talents as a self-taught computer repairman for nearly 20 years.
Quiet and serious by nature, Al also had a loving side and a good sense of humor that was especially enjoyed by those closest to him. A man of simple tastes, he enjoyed owning a boat in his younger years and had a lifelong love of country-western music. Earlier in life, he even managed a country-western singer known as “Little Buck.” Al also had a passion for his large saltwater aquariums, which he filled with exotic fish. One special fish even had a name of its own: “Puffy.” He also enjoyed spending time with family, watching football, NASCAR, and his favorite television shows, finding enjoyment in these simple pleasures and the time spent together.
Al leaves behind his devoted daughters, Patricia Minkle and her husband, Eddie, of the Dominican Republic; Rhonda Marnell, of Tewksbury; Wendy Adams and her husband, Keith, of Middleton; and Robyn Arena and her husband, Geo, of Billerica. He also leaves behind his sons, Alan and his partner, Joyce, of New Hampshire; Mark and his partner, Michelle, of Billerica; and Greg O'Donnell and his wife, Kim, of Missouri. Additionally, he is survived by his two stepdaughters, Susan Bosworth and her husband, Bruce, of Oregon, and Beverly Quattrocchi and her husband, Larry, of South Carolina, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Among them, his grandchildren Conner and Catherine held a particularly special place in his heart.
Al is also survived by his beloved brother, Richard Macdonald, and his wife, Gail, of Andover, with whom he shared a special bond. He was predeceased by his brother, Robert Macdonald.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours at the McLaughlin – Dello Russo Family Funeral Home 60 Pleasant St., Woburn, Wednesday, November 18th, from 4 to 7 p.m. and again on Thursday morning, November 19th, at 10 a.m. with a funeral service beginning at 11 a.m. Services will conclude with burial at Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn
It has been requested that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Al’s memory to Tunnel to Towers Foundation www.t2t.org