Below is an obituary from Dolan Funeral Home:
LOWELL, MA — Robert “Bobby Mac” Joseph MacDonald Sr., 94, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 24, 2026, at Lowell General Hospital.
Bob was born in Everett, MA, to the late Edward D. and Alice C. (Hillier) MacDonald. He was raised in Brighton, MA, and spent his childhood summers in Wilmington, MA. He was a graduate of St. Columbkille Catholic High School in Brighton. Following high school, Bob proudly served his country with the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He later earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from Lowell Tech (UMass Lowell).
Bob was an active communicant of Immaculate Conception Church in Lowell, where he participated in many ACTS retreats and formed lasting friendships within the parish community.
Bob initially retired from Hughes Aircraft at the age of 67. Retirement, however, did not come easily to someone who enjoyed keeping busy. He went on to work several post-retirement jobs before finally slowing down and retiring well into his 80s.
A longtime golfer, Bob enjoyed playing with the Chelmsford Monday Night Golf League at Nabnasset Country Club. He also enjoyed bowling, horseshoes and playing pool with his beloved Summer Village friends in Westford.
Above all else, Bob cherished the time he spent with his life partner, Joany. Together, they shared many wonderful years, countless memories, and the companionship that meant so much to him. He embraced every adventure with “The Gang” Dave and Laurie, Ken and Bonnie and Bob and Joany,
Bob is survived by his life partner, Joany Ilg; his four sons and their spouses, Bobby MacDonald Jr. and his life partner Tammie of Dracut, MA, Billy and Elaine MacDonald of Concord, NH; John and Michelle MacDonald of Methuen, MA, and Derek and Amanda Ilg of Chelmsford, MA; his two daughters and their spouses, Marie and Mark Perkins of Billerica, MA, and Linda and Jim Clayton of Bristol NH; his brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Karen MacDonald and family of Bridgeton, ME; and his sisters, Helen MacDonald of Framingham, MA.
He is also survived by his fourteen grandchildren, Bo MacDonald of Mason, NH, Lindsey Paton of Chester, NH, Allison Murphy, Ashley Cota of Plattsburgh, NY, Amy Goncalves of Tyngsborough, MA, Audrey Melewski of Concord, NH, Oliver Ilg, Joshua Ilg, Gabriel Ilg, Phoebe Ilg and Malachi Ilg all of Chelmsford, MA, Heather Chaisson of Holliston, MA, Sean Perkins and Julianne Perkins of Billerica, MA; and his eleven great-grandchildren, Josie MacDonald, Lucy MacDonald, Riley Paton, Ella, Cavan, and Kira Cota, Mia Goncalves, Madison and Malcom Melewski, Lilly and Emma Chaisson, he was predeceased by his great-granddaughter, Lucy Marie Chaisson
Bob is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Dave and Laurie Murphy of Lowell, MA, and the entire Murphy clan, who held a special place in his life.
He was predeceased by his former wife, Margaret MacDonald; his brother, Eddie MacDonald.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in his name to the Immaculate Conception Church Building Fund or St. Jude’s Hospital.
All arrangements by Dolan Funeral Home 106 Middlesex St N. Chelmsford MA 01863 978-251-4041. Sign the on line guest book at www.dolanfuneralhome.com.
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