Frank MacDonald Obituary

MacDONALD, Frank "Allan" Of Cohasset formerly of Scituate, died at home on Sept. 8 2008 after a long illness, age 76. Loving husband of Marie Caristi-MacDonald. Father of Alison L. MacDonald and her partner Kathrine Moore of Nantucket, Rod A. and his wife Amy (Miles) of E. Hampton, CT, and the late Andrew S. MacDonald. Brother of Jean Peterson of Aptos, CA, Nancy Cultrera of Elliot, ME and Fred MacDonald of N. Quincy. Grandfather of Alyssa MacDonald, Megan Mahoney, Alexis Marie Caristi and Jack Farris. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Oct. 5 at 4:30PM at the First Parish Church, Cohasset. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First Parish Church, 23 N. Main St, Cohasset, MA 02025 and/or the Vedanta Centre, 130 Beechwood St Cohasset, MA 02025. Arrangements by the Richardson-Gaffey Funeral Home, Scituate, MA. Richardson-Gaffey Funeral Home 781 545-0196

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Published by Boston Globe on Sep. 11, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Frank MacDonald

12 Entries

Bob and Sally Fesler

October 2, 2008

Marie—Alison and Rod—and Al, our treasured friend for 40 years… Al, your understanding and concern for others and ability to listen and then offer quiet, effective words to inspire confidence will live on. We’ll miss and remember your caring presence. Our thoughts are with you Rod, Alison, Marie, family and friends.

May Holden

September 26, 2008

To Marie and family,

My father, Bud Lewis, and Allan went way back at MCI in Pittsfield, Maine. Allan was there for my Dad when my mother passed away by assisting Dad with plans for my mother's celebration of life.
When Dad passed away Marie and I knew knew Allan would enjoy and treasure Dad's items from LL Bean.
I extend sincere sympathy on his passing to you all.

Marie Armitstead

September 26, 2008

Dear Marie,Allison,Rod-I don't know where to start-I will miss Allan very much and regret that I didn't get to show him the finished family room that started out as a place for my Dad to enjoy. Dad only got to see the shell-Alan was the first one that I call when Dad started to fail-I was so pleased that he rushed to my side-comfort in a man who was so much to both Dad,myself and my twin. I was so pleased that he showed up in Maine for the celebration of Bud's life. I have so many memories of Alan and enjoyed his pleasure in Bud's new LLBean jacket and knew that I had done the right thing offering Bud"s things to him. My only regret is that I wasn't aware of the extent of his disease and able to be with him. Love, Marie and family

Mandy Burgoon

September 12, 2008

My thoughts and prayers go out to Al's family and many friends. I too, was a student at CHS of his, and have wonderful memories of nature walks during his class instead of the usual class structure. His smile and knowledge of how to draw out even a quiet kid like me in class will always mean a lot to me. He was not only a great teacher but a great friend as well, and I will deeply miss seeing him walking around town.

Kate Hanlon

September 12, 2008

How well I remember my first (and only!) winter camping experience one chilly February with my classmates, as part of Mr. MacDonald's Survival course. Snow was blowing horizontally and temperatures dipped to 19 degrees as he shepherded us up the base of Mount Passaconaway, in Franconia Notch. For the entire weekend, his calm presence and faith in us led us to find strength in ourselves, and resources we didn't know we possessed. I will always be grateful for his creative approach to teaching...he had such a positive influence on my life! My sincere condolences to his family.

Kathy Healy

September 12, 2008

To Allan's family,
My thoughts are with you during this sad time. Allan was such a big influence on me and so many of my classmates during the early and mid-70s at CHS. The Alternative School base was a haven of calm; always a nice place to be, all due to Al's quiet but strong presence both in that room and in the school. I can clearly picture his handwriting on the chalk board in that room, on which an inspirational phrase would always be found; "Give me a fish and I'll eat for a day, teach me to fish and I'll eat for a lifetime". Even as students we recognized that Al marched to his own beat, but was always true to himself. He was a stellar example of a respectful, intelligent, thoughtful and kind-hearted teacher. I hope he knew what a long-lasting influence he had on so many of his pupils. May he rest in peace.

Terri Figueiredo

September 12, 2008

Al influenced me more than any other experience in high school. I still write on "reused paper" to this day. He was incredible, and because of him, I still think outside the box. I still remember "Me and My Arrow" and "The Pointless Forest," and our special gatherings and trips to nature. Al will always be a part of who I am, and I will always be grateful for his very special teachings. He was way ahead of his time. Love, Terri

John Reddie

September 12, 2008

I'll never forget or understimate the important and tremendous impact Allan had on me as a student. I'll remember him as the very wise and friendly teacher who turned my life around, forever. He will be sadly missed. Prayers and thoughts to his family.

Jeanne (McNeil) Maxon

September 12, 2008

Dear Mrs. MacDonald and Family,
Mr. MacDonald was my favorite teacher of all time. Tho it's been more than 40 years since I sat in his classroom, I have countless inspiring memories of him.

Jane Flynn

September 11, 2008

I am so sad to hear of Allan's passing. My heart goes out to all of the family members during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Joanne and Jack Connolly

September 11, 2008

Dear Allan,

Thank you for gracing our lives with gentleness, laughter, and love. Your life has enriched us all. We were fortunate to know you and have you as a friend.

Love,

Joanne and Jack

The Staff of Richardson-Gaffey Funeral Home

September 11, 2008

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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