David E Macdonald

WALTHAM - David E. Macdonald, 84 years of age, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, March 4, 2022.  He was born and raised in East Milton. He was a 1955 graduate of Milton High School and following graduation he enlisted in the US Army.  While in the army, he served as an MP stationed in Korea immediately following the conclusion of the war.  Upon returning home from Korea, David met and married Doris A. Wahlstrom of North Quincy in 1961 and settled in Braintree. He became a police officer in his hometown of Milton, rising to the rank of lieutenant where he served with distinction for 34 years until his retirement in 1994. He earned an Associate degree from Northeastern University and a Bachelor’s degree from Western New England College, both in Criminal Justice.  David’s greatest love was his family and being a father and grandfather. He and Doris were the “neighborhood parents” with an open-door policy for their son’s many childhood friends to enjoy the swimming pool, watch sports around the TV and laugh over a meal in the kitchen. David and Doris traveled with their three children to forty-nine states, especially enjoying the U.S. National Parks. The Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park were two of his favorites. David also was a long-distance marathon runner for many years, proudly completing 5 Boston Marathons, his first at the age of 50.  David was quick to make new friends, especially during the years following Doris’ death in 2013.  He had a special gift of sharing joy and happiness, quick with a laugh and his disarming charm that made him many new friends until his final days. David’s gentle ways were brought to life through his love of animals, especially his special relationships with “granddogs” Kirby, Ozzie and Bindi and “grandcat” Eleanor. He was the devoted husband of Doris A. (Wahlstrom) Macdonald of Braintree to whom he had been married to for 52 years. He was the loving father of David R. Macdonald, Esq. married to Dr. Jenni Petrella of Hanover, John R. Macdonald married to Victoria of Hilton Head, SC and James R. Macdonald married to Beth of Watertown. He was the cherished "Papa" to Avery Macdonald of Watertown, Aidan Macdonald of Hilton Head, SC and Jack and Maverick Macdonald of Hanover. He was predeceased by his brothers Roger Macdonald of Raynham, Paul Macdonald of Milton and Peter Macdonald of Quincy.  A Celebration of Life for David will be held at the Granite Links Golf Club at 100 Quarry Hills Drive in Quincy on Sunday, March 13th from 11:00 AM – 2:00 P.M. A private burial will follow at the Bourne Mass. National Veteran’s Cemetery in Bourne, MA. Memorial donations in David’s memory may be sent to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at www.mspca.org or the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org. 

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