Kenneth MacDonald Obituary

MacDonald, Kenneth A. Jr. ALBANY Kenneth Armstrong MacDonald, Jr., 70, entered into eternal life on Saturday, March 23, 2013 following a long illness. Born in Springfield, Mass. on May 10, 1942, he was the son of the late Kenneth A. MacDonald, Sr. and Barbara Cornell MacDonald. Ken had been an area resident since the age of 12 and attended Albany Public Schools. He was a 1962 graduate of Albany High School and later graduated from the Albany Business College. Ken served his country for six years in the U.S. Army National Guard and was discharged with the rank of sergeant in 1970. For 25 years Ken was employed as a real property tax auditor by the former City & County Savings Bank and later Trustco Bank. His last employment was with Albany County Real Property Services from where he retired following 16 years of service. Ken enjoyed volunteering his time as the basketball coach for St. Teresa of Avila School in Albany. In his 31 years of coaching, his teams won 16 league and 64 tournament championships. He also spent five years as a little league baseball coach and guided one of his most memorable teams to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Ken was a member of Wadsworth Lodge #417 F&AM in Albany and St. Peter's Protestant Episcopal Church in Albany. Ken was preceded in death by his brother, Randolph MacDonald, Sr.; his brother-in-law, Donald Gerfin, Jr. and his niece, Tina Camacho. He is survived by his four sisters, Barbara Adams of Albany, Heather (Kenneth) Meisner of Selkirk, Pamela Gerfin of Latham and Heidi (Robert) Bergesch of Yarmouth, Maine; his sisters-in-law, Gail Dieter of Albany and Rosemary MacDonald of West Coxsackie; as well as 10 nieces and nephews. A private service for immediate family and burial in the church columbarium is planned at St. Peter's Protestant Episcopal Church in Albany There will be no public calling hours. In order to support its rich heritage, choral performance, and music education, contributions in memory of Ken may be made to St. Peter's Church Choir Fund, 107 State Street, Albany, NY 12207.Visit bowenandparkerbros.com to leave a message of sympathy and to light a candle.


Published by Albany Times Union from Mar. 25 to Mar. 26, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth MacDonald

Not sure what to say?





Kenny was one of a kind! Incredible to see so many St. Teresa's names on this guest book. Lives touched 30+ years ago...what an impact! Rest in peace Coach.

Terry Brown

April 4, 2013

Kenny
You treated everyone you knew as if they were the only person you knew and you needed to treat them special. We have wonderful memories of good times spent in your company. We are so thankful for your role in my brothers life. RIP, Gloria and Mike Doherty

Gloria and Mike Doherty

April 2, 2013

Kenny, Thank you for being a great coach and mentor during those youthful years at St. Theresa's. The years of weekday practice, weekend games and those Friday nights of high school basketball. Who could forget the pizza afterwards. I will think of you often while coaching my own daughters basketball teams. You were one of a kind. Thank you for being there.

Joe Koch

April 2, 2013

Kenny was a true mentor to so many people that became great coaches as well as great human beings. Kenny was so much more than wins and losses he was a true student of the game and would help all anyway he could. I can recall whatever the game we were watching together was basketball or baseball he knew exactly what was going to happen and why. I also recall the first one to visit the house after our first child was born was Kenny and so happy to deliver Kate her first Yankee t shirt. Ken I know you are at peace and well deserved. I will have a toast for you when I get to Yankee Stadium this year!

Jim Sano

March 28, 2013

Pam and Family, I am very sorry to hear about the passing of your brother Kenneth.. I had no idea who your brother was until I read this orbituary..He sounds like he was an amazing man. Working at Albany County I would see him in the halls but never knew he was your brother..what a small world. Pam I have to say that I am also sorry to hear about your husband I never knew he passed away, I feel terrible that I missed this. Please contact me at your earliest convience I would love to get together with you. God Bless Ken, He gave his life to all. Regards to the family, Debbie

Debbie Ryan-McMahon

March 27, 2013

rose so sorry to hear about gar's brother. hope you find peace in your day.

gret geurtze

March 26, 2013

Ken was Head Crucifer (carrying the Cross at start of choir processions) at St. Peter's when I was an acolyte and in the music program. That's a different kind of leadership from CYO, but Ken did it with excellence and pride. I especially remember the memorial service for JFK. The church was overflowing and all sorts of TV cameras were jumping around. No sweat for Ken; he just calmly glared ahead and people knew to step aside for the choir and clergy. St. Peter's meant so much to Ken, and I'm thankful to hear he will rest there, in peace and Eternal Life. God bless all of you.

Fr Joel MacCollam

March 26, 2013

We will miss you Uncle Sandy. We enjoyed all your stories and had many laughs with you. May you rest in peace. Love, Randy & Mary MacDonald

Mary & Randy MacDonald

March 26, 2013

Thanks Kenny,RIP I'll always cherish those St.Teresa days!

Johnny White

March 25, 2013

My deepest condolences to the MacDonald family. I played on Ken's last team at St. Teresa's and enjoyed every day of it. He was a great coach.

Chris Ingemie

March 25, 2013

Kenny will be missed. He served as a great role model for coaches...he had a genuine concern for kids beyond the wins and losses. Some of my greatest memories are going to high school basketball games with Ken and then eating those square pizzas he loved. He gave me my first opportunity to coach at St. Teresa's and I am still coaching today.

Paul Cappellano

March 25, 2013

Sorry to learn of Ken's passing. He was a good friend. My condolence to all of his family.

Fred Sepanek

March 25, 2013

He was a good man, and a great role model for us all.

May you rest in peace...

D. Dineen

March 25, 2013

So-Long Ken. The Class of "62" is shrinking again. Your autograph remains to this day in my year book. I pray that your family will be comforted with fond memories of you and of a life well lived. Be seeing you again real soon

Rodney Colling

March 25, 2013

Kenny - I played on teams you coached in both Little League and St. Teresa's - RIP my coach and friend - Bill "Earl" Lyons

March 25, 2013

So sorry to here of the lost of Kenny. We had so many great times when you and I were coaching in Albany. The nights after games at the Notty Pine, Sons Tavern, Red Front,Spiaks, Valantes. Our trips to Boston, New York, Glen Falls to see Games. The friendship that endure for over 30 years between you,Stu K, Ned Mc, Buss Co, Jack We,Bob We, Jay St, will live in my mind forever. My prayers are with the family on your loss.

March 25, 2013

You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.
~John Wooden~

Kenny, you lived a lot of perfect days.

I hope you are enjoying a Three S's pizza.

Paul Toomey

March 25, 2013

My deepest sympathy to the MacDonald Family. I am so sorry for your loss. Kenny has a very special place in my heart, he has certainly help me become the person I am today! I think I speak as well for all the kids he touched through sports. For certain we lost a legend that marks an end of an era. May God bless u Ken and thank you for all that you have done for me in my lifetime. U will be missed and never forgotten. Go Irish!{He dis -liked ND!}

Shawn Casey

March 25, 2013

Deepest condolences to the family. You were a great coach and mentor and had a positive influence on generations of kids at St. Teresa's. I have very fond memories of our times together. Rest in peace Kenny.

Don La Vigne

March 25, 2013

Sorry to learn of Kenny's passing. My condolence to his family. I knew Kenny from our days at National Little League. Kenny was one of the best coaches and a true gentleman. May he rest in peace.

Ray Engel

March 25, 2013

Kenny's dedication to the program at St. Teresa's helped hundreds of kids all over Albany. I know my brothers and I were able to spend countless nights in the gym learning the game. Thanks Ken for being such an important part in so many great memories.

Patrick McCarthy

March 25, 2013

Hello Macdonald family - I am very sorry for your loss. Kenny coached me at St Teresa's over 40 years ago. He was a great person and a fabulous coach. In 6th grade our record was 30 wins and only 1 loss,the best ever record at the school, which was a credit to coach Kenny. After many basketball practices myself (Mike Signor), Chet Smith and Curtis Guba asked Kenny drive us home, we always refused to get out of the car until Kenny took us to Carrolls for some hamburgs and fries, which he always did and never refused. He is a legend at St Teresa's and always will be. I will never forget him! He will always be remembered by anyone who came in contact with him - his kindness and the generosity with his time for the kids etc.

Michael Signor

March 25, 2013

Ken you did it all by yourself, and ran one of the best C Y O programs. You touched many of young people, and set their path in the right direction. You will be missed by all who knew you. May you rest in peace.

Stu Kaufman

March 25, 2013

Rest in Peace, Kenny.

John Dieckelman

John Dieckelman

March 25, 2013

Coach may you Rest in Peace and may God be with you and your family during this time.
You certainly taught everyone (not just the players) at ST. Teresa's A lot and that will never be forgotten.

Leslie (Watrous) Lucas

March 25, 2013

Rest in peace, Kenny.

JD

March 25, 2013

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Sandy. I will never think of him and not smile at many of the stories he told me. I hope you are able to find peace in his passing.

Kimberly Spath

March 25, 2013

To the MacDonald Family,

Our deepest sympathy.

Mike and Mary Catalfamo

March 25, 2013

Kenny,
You will be missed. Thanks for all your years as coach and mentor.
Jim

March 25, 2013

My brothers & I are among the hundreds of kids that spent 3-5 nights a week in the St. Teresa's playing for Kenny's teams. He gave a lot of his time to that program, and that dedication kept kids in the gym & out of trouble. Kenny's passing really marks an end of an era in Albany youth sports.
I know stories about Kenny's phrases and our games are still shared 30 years later among family & friends. Thanks Ken for being one of the pillars of that parish and being part of so many great memories.

Patrick McCarthy

March 25, 2013

R.I.P Uncle Sandy, you will be missed!
Love,
Gretchen

March 25, 2013

Rest in peace Coach.

March 25, 2013

Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results

Make a Donation
in Kenneth MacDonald's name

Memorial Events
for Kenneth MacDonald

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Kenneth's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Kenneth MacDonald's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more