DOUGLAS J. MACMASTER JR.

MACMASTER DOUGLAS J. JR. February 11, 2021 90, of Ambler, PA, business leader and family patriarch, passed away on February 11, 2021 at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital surrounded by his family. Doug was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, exceptional lawyer and businessman, athlete, veteran, philanthropist, exquisite party planner, adventurer, and friend to many. He was the beloved husband of the late Joan (MacLellan) MacMaster. Doug was born in Boston, MA on September 20, 1930 to the late Douglas J., Sr. and Margaret "Peg" (Rankin) MacMaster. He was raised in Boston with his two late sisters, Katherine E. Greene and Jessica A. MacMaster. Doug graduated from English High in Boston where he was an All-City football player. He was recruited by many prestigious universities, but chose to attend St. Francis Xavier University (St. F.X.) in Nova Scotia, Canada, where he met the love of his life Joan (who finally accepted his invitation to the Senior Dance after four years of trying). Doug was a standout rugby player and President of his Senior Class. He was the first in his family to graduate from college. After graduating St. F. X. in 1953, he served his country in the U.S. Army for two years where he was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal. After being discharged from the military, Doug received his J.D. degree from Boston College Law School in 1958, where he again was Class President, and went to work for the distinguished law firm Kelley, Drye & Warren in New York City. In 1961, Doug accepted a position at Merck & Co. Inc, where he had a distinguished 30 year career. During his tenure at Merck, positions included Managing Director of Merck Sharpe & Dohme (Australia and New Zealand) and President of Merck Sharpe and Dohme (USA and Canada). He retired as Sr. Vice President of Merck and Co. Inc. in 1991. Doug served on numerous boards during his life, including, Neose Technologies Inc., Martek Biosciences Corp., St. F. X., Gwynedd Mercy College, Stratton Mutual Funds, Martha's Vineyard Hospital, and American Precision Instrument. He also served as President of the National Pharmaceutical Council. In 1991, Doug was appointed to the Board of Trustees of Thomas Jefferson University where he served until 2015, including serving as Chairman of the Board. When Doug retired from the Board, he was appointed Emeritus Trustee. Additionally, Doug received honorary degrees from St. F. X. and Gwynedd Mercy College. As illustrious as Doug's career was, he always felt his greatest accomplishment was his family. Doug, despite his busy schedule, always made time to attend his children's and grandchildren's various activities. Doug founded the Junior Soccer League of Chatham Township, NJ, where he formerly lived, and coached the U-23 ice hockey team for New South Wales, Australia. He was the resident short-order cook for his children, grandchildren, and friends on Sunday mornings after mass. Doug enjoyed spending summers on Martha's Vineyard, surrounded by family and friends. One of the highlights was leading his family, Team MacMaster, in the annual Chilmark Road Race with the motto "You Push Me, I'll Push You", followed by a clambake at his house Back O' Beyond. Doug is survived by 5 children, 21 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and predeceased by his wife, Joan, and his granddaughter Katie MacMaster. Relatives and friends are invited to his Funeral Mass on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at 11:30 A.M. at Epiphany of Our Lord Church, 3050 Walton Rd., Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462. A viewing will be from 9:30 to 11:15 A.M. at the Church, as well as a live stream through Ciavarelli Funeral Homes. Interment will be in Whitemarsh Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Joan and Doug MacMaster Scholarship Fund, St. Francis Xavier University, PO Box 5000, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada B2G2W5. Condolences may be made at www.ciavarellifuneralhomes.com.