John D. MacDougall

John Duncan MacDougall, of Old Lyme, CT, passed away on the night of January 2, 2019, following a short but graceful and determined battle with cancer. 

John was born on April 29, 1952 and was raised in Groton, CT, where he grew up enjoying one of his lifelong favorite places, Shenecossett Beach Club.  After attending school at the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, John returned to Groton and the Byles-MacDougall Funeral Home, where he worked selflessly and with great compassion for 41 years. 

It was through his cousin at Byles that John met the love of his life, Alice Ellison, to whom he was married for 33 beautiful years.  John was most proud of the legacy he leaves behind in his two daughters, Alexandra MacDougall and Kimberly MacDougall Eaves, and in his son-in-law, Ben Eaves.  As a father, John encouraged big dreams, drove cross-country at the drop of a hat, and never missed a game.  He and Alice built a world of love and John spent his lifetime spreading it far and wide, always helping those around him and going above and beyond for others.

John was particularly known as someone greatly devoted to his friends and for his remarkable ability to always make new ones.  He was also known for his involvement and service within his community.  John was affiliated with, and held leadership positions in, a wide range of local organizations.  Of the many, he was most involved with the Shenecossett Beach Club, Niantic Sportsman’s Club, and his local Homeowner’s Association, having served as President of all three. 

In addition to Alice and their children, John leaves behind his sisters, Judith MacDougall Blair and Susan MacDougall, and has reunited with his predeceased sister, Marnie MacDougall, on a beach somewhere with a not-too-challenging crossword puzzle in hand.  He also leaves behind his most adored mother-in-law, Anastasia Ellison, cousins, nieces and nephews all across the country, and his many friends, particularly those at the Sportsman’s Club and the “Applewood Gang,” who were more like family than friends. 

John will be sorely missed, but always remembered with a smile.  A gathering to celebrate his life will be held on January 19, 2019 from 1:00 - 3:00 PM at Langley’s Restaurant, 28 Lamphere Road, Waterford, CT.  In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory can be directed in his name to The ECHO Cancer Foundation at 330 Washington Street, Suite 220 in Norwich, CT 06360.