Joseph F. Macdonald died peacefully after a long illness on October 17, 2010 at Caritas Hospital in Norwood, MA at the age of 78. He was born in Norwood and grew up in Canton, graduating from St. John Catholic School and Canton High School (’50). An accomplished athlete, Joe was inducted into the Canton High School Hall of Fame as a member of the 1947 baseball team. After attending Boston University, he served in the United States Army from 1953 – 1955 in Japan, where he was also recruited onto the military baseball team.
While living in South Harwich, Joe owned a painting business with his brother John and they were both scallop fishermen. A member of the American Legion, as well as the Canton Town Club, he returned to Canton during the latter part of his life, surrounded by long time friends and family.
Joe’s favorite place was Prince Edward Island, Canada, the birthplace of his beloved parents. He cherished his summers spent in Anglo Rustico, enjoying the sun, beaches, many PEI friendships, and life’s simple pleasures.
Son of John D. and Frances Macdonald, formerly of Canton, he is survived by his five children: David Macdonald and his wife, Christina, of Stoughton; Carol Pineo and her husband, Tom, of Canton; Janet Satterfield and her husband, Michael, of Marysville, CA; Mary Hughes and her husband, Owen, of Canton; and Ann Macdonald of Alameda, CA. Survived by his sister, Margaret Rivas-Micoud of Javea, Spain; his sister, Mary Draper of Cherry Hill, NJ; his sister Jean D’Amore of Naples, FL; his brother, Bruce Macdonald of Newport Richie, FL; and his sister, Judy Lund and her husband. Dr. Robert, of Prince Edward Island, Canada. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Owen and Timothy Hughes, Matthew and Katherine Pineo, and Jim and Abby Macdonald; and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his sister, Dorothy DiGennaro of Miami Beach, FL; and his brother, John Macdonald of South Harwich, MA.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Tuesday, October 19 from 4 - 8pm at the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home at 455 Washington Street in Canton. Funeral Mass at St. John The Evangelist Church on Wednesday, October 20 at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to The Department of Veterans Services, 801 Washington St. Canton, MA 02021.