March 10, 2018
John R. MacDonald
ATHOL- John R. MacDonald, 94, of Main Street, died peacefully at home on Monday, March 5, 2018.
Born in Athol on May 16, 1923, he was a son of Thomas L. and Laura A. (MacLean) MacDonald and grew up in Athol.
John was a United States Army veteran of World War Two and enlisted on February 10, 1943, serving in the 4th Infantry. He served in Northern France, the Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe, earning a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal and European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign with four Bronze Stars. John was also wounded in the Battle of the Bulge.
John lived in Athol most of his life and wintered in Florida since 1975 until last year.
Employed by the L. S. Starrett Company in Athol, John retired from there after 25 years. He also owned several apartment buildings in Athol, including Laura Apartments.
John was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, a Life member of the Athol American Legion, member of both the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans, and the North Quabbin Lodge of Masons A.F. & A.M (formerly Star Lodge) for over 65 years where he was a Past Master.
John is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and grand and great grand nieces and nephews.
Be3sides his parents, John was predeceased by his eight siblings, five brothers, Everett, Tommy, Earl, Douglas, and David, and three sisters, Della, Ina and Beatrice.
Calling hour will be held on March 24, 2018 from 9:30- 10:30 a.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.
A memorial service will be held on March 24th, at 10:30 a.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home in Orange with Fr. William Hobbs of Saint John’s Episcopal Church in Athol officiating.
Interment with military honors will follow in Silver Lake Cemetery, Athol.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is directing the arrangements.
You may offer your sympathy online at www.wittyfuneralhome.com
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