Allan D. MacDougall

I can´t believe 10 years has gone by. Hope you are having the best time in the sweetest of peace

I miss Allan so very much. I miss sharing our love of 50's music, and trading songs on Facebook.
He was one of the coolest people that I have ever met. I'm still deeply sad that he's no longer with us.

Allan sat next to me in Mr. Shannon's history class at Worcester's North High School. During class, he made clever asides that cracked me up. Luckily, Mr Shannon had a great sense of humor and enjoyed the mischief Allan created! The memory still makes me smile... He signed my yearbook: To Sue, the best straightwoman a man ever had!

With adoration, gratitude and SO MUCH LOVE!

Mr. MacDougall was a passionate, caring and honest person. He was an inspirational teacher who took the time to make each student feel respected and appreciated! "MacDougall" was instrumental in shaping me as a person and educator!

My thoughts and prayers go out to u and ur family u will be greatly missed .And I will always remember the great times at NNHS, most of all getting kick out of Main St. an being sent to class lol.U will always be famous in all of r eyes ,it was a great Honor to know u.class of 1977. Rock On in Heaven MacDougall.

A true legend. You will be missed, Rocco.

Thank you for your passion, your lessons, and your truths.

I had Mr. MacDougall in the 70's. I remember the class closing the text books and just listening to him talk about his experiences working with native americans, his anger at their situation. He remains in my memory as a great teacher, impressing me with his engagement with history and so making it very tangible for me.

Rest in peace Rocco

Dear MacDougall and JoEllen,
This is an awful thing, but it's clear the memory lives on. For me it's Franky Lymon and the Teenagers and Churchbells May Ring. My memories go back to 1965 or so, and they're wonderfully complicated. Thanks, MacDougall, you etched my life.
Love,
Young David

I loved having Mr. MacDougall as my American History teacher. He introduced me to scholarship by releasing me from class for a month to go write about Margaret Fuller. That amazing gesture helped found my career as an English professor and led to a published article on Fuller years later. I also had JoEllen for math and send my sympathy to her and the family and my eternal thanks for the love and support she and Mr. MacDougall shared with me at NNHS. Hail Rocco!

I loved having Mr. Macdougall as my American history teacher. He got me started on independent research (telling me to take a month off from class to write about Margaret Fuller). That amazing gesture and gift led years later to my published article on the same topic and more importantly it helped found my own career as a scholar and English prof. I also had JoEllen for Math and send my sympathies to her and the family and my eternal thanks for the love and support she and Mr. Macdougall gave me at NNHS. Hail Rocco!

I'll miss MacDougall's kindness. As a new teacher at NNHS, it was knowing that someone of his caliber was there to support me and look out for me- that encouraged me to be comfortable being myself. We had very different cultures and interests. But, we shared an affection for tolerance and diversity. May he rest in peace.

Inspired teaching and an inspiring teacher. RIP and warm thoughts to JoEllen. You both impacted me in ways you cannot begin to imagine.

Thank you, MacDougall, for rock and rights - the music and the commitment to social justice! You have inspired so many! Sending love to you, JoEllen.

Kevin Jones.

Sending our love to Boston. Will always have great memories of Uncle MacDougall.

I feel immensely lucky to have had Mr. MacDougall as my U.S. history teacher at North. His firsthand knowledge of the events we studied (the 50s, 60s and 70s) as well as the incredibly positive influence he had on Newton North was wonderful. You will be greatly missed! I wish I could be there at the memorial service. Ms. Hillyer, you will be in my thoughts. You both were an amazing (not to mention rocking) teaching duo at North. My life is better for what I learned from you (of which only one part was history and math). You were great teachers about humanity. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Tina Lieu '86

RIP Mr. MacDougall. A great man and teacher. Our loss is Rock N' Roll heaven's gain. JoEllen I hope you find comfort in knowing how many people love you both.

30 plus years later I remember your class as my favorite. Your memory will live on.

Mister MacDougall, wherever you are now...when my children asked me if I had a favorite, or most inspirational teacher when I was growing up, they heard your name. Without hesitation. It was so good that they could meet you at the old NNHS and hear you in the old theatre. You are missed. May you find Doo-Wop in the next world. JoEllen, your grief is shared. JB Stern '82

You will be missed. Thank you for everything!

mac i just have tears in my eyes- for what you and your wife meant back in high school to me all the little things asking if i was okay and you the best history EVER!!!! to our time on facebook -it sounds silly but i enjoyed what you posted loved when you shared what i did and... and ....i miss you. Much love to Jo Ellen shes the best as well and the hug i got from her today really meant a lot to me soothed me and made me realize that weve got this lovely fiery awesome lady out there to keep us going on. my love to your family and for all you have done for me i will always keep you in my heart and mind as you helped me realize i can "be" just be and that is okay . love always . and to you JE Hillyer and family mac
will always be missed but will always help me shape my own family lessons and explain life. xp

MacDougall, You taught me to trust myself and shoot for the stars. I am a history teacher because of you. Your insights on music, culture, food and life I have never forgot.
I always tell my students to "keep fighting the good fight." Indeed! Your spirit lives on as I and all the other future teachers you taught carry the torch from you. You were the best teacher I ever had, Thank You.

Rest in peace

Mr. MacDougall you will always be remembered. You were my favorite teacher and my fondest memories of high school were because of you. You will truly be missed! Love to you.

Was never blessed to have you as a teacher but did get to "sign" in the Rocco show. Your legacy lives on in many!

Few times in a child's schooling do they have an opportunity at great teachers. We in Newton had them commonplace. Mr. MacDougall was one of a great faculty that we had from the time my eldest brother entered Newton High (class of 1973) through my youngest brother at the now defunct NNHS "old" building (class of 1986). Although I never had Mr. MacDougall as a teacher, the warmth he exuded was always present passing in the halls. I loved the "old hippy" coupleship that JoEllyn Hillyer and he also exemplified for us. There was much to that that allowed us to see the firm foundations of long standing love and relationship.

JoEllyn, I am certain you won't remember me from your 10th grade math class too many years ago (i graduated in 1983), not an exceptional student by any stretch. I am deeply saddened by your loss and my heart and prayers are with you as are those of my entire family.

with love,
Charlton Wilson

Thank you Mr. MacDougall - you were a great teacher and a wonderful man - you will be missed - thoughts and prayers to your family - RIP Rocco!!

Rocco was one of the teachers who made NNHS the special place it was and is. His good cheer, intelligence, irreverence and open mindedness was an indelible and positive influence on so many of us. I offer my heartfelt condolences.

I was lucky enough to have MacDougall as my homeroom teacher! I wonder sometimes if he had anything to do with me actually graduating as I was hardly ever there! Only recently did I Get to enjoy his sense of humor and style.....RIP and I'm quite sure you will be greatly missed.

I am so sorry for your family's loss...

A prayer goes out to the family

Lynn J.Sekulow

The special love shared between JoEllen and MacDougall always reminded me of my parent's relationship. As fellow teachers and "grown up hippies" they shared many values and love for music. From my older sister Monica to younger brother Ethan, the academic and social challenges of NNHS were more surmountable with the guidance of MacDougall and JoEellen.

He was introduced to me as Rocco when I was in grade school and my involvement in is DooWop/Rock N Roll Review shows at the high school across the street from our house on Elm Road were life altering (as music should be). Every year Rocco and his Celestials ended the show with their harmonic "In The Still of the Night", which gave me goosebumps as I fixed my spotlight on JoEllen's red dress as she joined him on stage to slow dance, revealing the tender, romantic side to the giant rock star wrapped in black biker leather. Right on cue my parents, like high school kids at the hop, raced across the street to the high school auditorium to dance in the isle (which earned a follow spot). This public display of effection demonstrated on stage and off inspired our 1980's generation to embrace such magical moments from the 1950's.

As we honor the passing of the teacher who wore canvas chucks for all occasions, an unconventional devoted partner and humble father and street-corner singer, my family will honor his influential life and rebellious cry that rock n roll will never die.

Dear JoEllen and Family.
Some people make a big difference in your life. I was in the NNHS Class of '85, and was lucky enough both to have MacDougall for a teacher and sing alongside him in Rocco. He had a dramatic impact upon me because he was so in tune with what kids were thinking and how to connect with them. Not just the kids who wanted to learn, either, but the kids who probably would rather be anyplace but a classroom. He made you laugh, made you smile, made you think, made you sing. Gaining his respect and friendship made me proud and more confident I could be the person and writer I wanted to be. I reconnected with him on Facebook in the last year like so many others and deeply regret not visiting him in person in his final months. I hope he enjoyed the book, and I look forward to celebrating his life with you a bit down the road. Words and Music.

My condolences to the family. He made an incredible difference in our lives while at NNHS.

Dear JoEllen,
I can't believe that beautiful voice and brilliant mind have been silenced. I was honored to be in the early and latter years of Rocco when we all felt like rock stars behind our leader.... My signature song "I Love How you Love Me" will take on a whole new meaning beaming with pride and great memories of how you led us all to provide so many students with so many scholarships and so much history to the story of rock and roll. May you climb your stairway to heaven and take your place as one of the great inspirational teachers of our era and I'll miss that street corner across from my room where you were a very special colleague and friend for so many years. We'll always be waiting for your Rumble encore. Sleep well, my friend. And keep rockin.
Maria L. Vallone

A phenomenal educator and beacon of cool - few have ever made black leather look so good. He will be sorely missed and forever remembered by so many. Looking for an Echo? He'll always have one in the lives he has touched with his kindness, his spirit and his music. Much love!

MacDougall and JoEllen were my homeroom teachers and it was the most fun homeroom ever. They were also my neighbors and that made my street the coolest street ever. Allan touched so many lives. Joellen, I hope you take some comfort knowing that tidal waves of affection and sympathy are being sent your way by the multitudes of your former students. Class of '77

I will always remember Mr. MacDougall as the "cool teacher". I sang in choir all through high school, so I was closer with Ric than Rocco. But my senior year, I was lucky enough to be one of the "bad girls" in the R & R show. I remember being nervous the first time I sang for MacDougall, because I viewed him as this larger than life person. When I got up to the microphone, my nerves got the best of me and I totally blubbed it. He said, "Where's the beauty?" I tried again and when I finished, he said, "There it is." I remember feeling like those words were total validation that I really could sing. Like concrete proof, because MacDougall had said it.

My deepest sympathies go out to Ms. Hillyer and their family.

Hi everyone who is signing Mac's guestbook. I saw that the family asked for donations to the scholarship so I thought you might want to see what the criteria of the scholarship are. I am proud to tell you that I was actually a co-recipient of the Phil Ochs scholarship in 1981 so in keeping with that responsibility, I determined that it behooves me to promote the scholarship and the spirit of Rocco. RIP Rocco, you were an inspiration especially in your recent facebook posts!! I know you are rocking out in Rock and Roll Heaven and we should all be so lucky to join you there one day...

My condolences to Mac's family, friends, and devoted students. I was too intimidated to try out for Rocco, but was enthralled by the show and wish I could have been part of it. Mac was bigger than life and clearly inspired generations of students. What a wonderful legacy!

I will never forget all that Mr. MacDougall did for me during my years at NNHS, class of 1977. If it wasn't for him, I would never have graduated. He was my teacher, my mentor, my friend and my watchdog. His love of life and teaching shined through everyday. He was a true hero in my eyes. Thanks Mac for your guidance, help and friendship. RIP, until we meet again.

R.I.P. Rocco. The gates of heaven are wide open for you. NNHS has lost the best.
John Schofield(Auburndale) Class of 75

For a student to remember the impact a teacher left on them is a reflection of how great the teacher was. I was lucky enough to have both Allan and Joellen as teachers and remain forever grateful to both. Your legacy lives with us
Class of 1974

Your legacy is safe and bright in those who learned from you.....and that was everyone! We will always remember you and what you meant to each of us - Vinnie D'Alleva, Class of '81

Michael Chin Class of 1984...you had taught me a lot you and Ms H will have a place in my heart. From history to math I am forever grateful that you both have taught me...

MacDougall didn't just make you raise your game as a student, he made you feel like a colleague - someone who deserved to share ideas in the classroom or share the stage with him. In music, schoolwork, life, his was the helping hand that made us think we were doing it all by ourselves, and I don't think I really understand or appreciated how supportive and generous that was of him until well after high school. Rocco, you will be dearly missed and happily remembered for a long time to come. My deepest condolences to my favorite math teacher, Ms. Hillyer, and family.

We will never forget you. Thanks for very fond and vivid high school memories.

You were one of a kind. Your passion for music, education and life in general will never be forgotten. We have lost a legend that will be forever missed. RIP Rocco. ~Matty Marchant Class of 1988

Thanks for being a real teacher and a real person at the same time. You will be missed!

PS, it may be silly, but I will always remember how you told us how Thousand Island dressing came about, after nobody would eat Russian dressing anymore...maybe a small historical fact, but it stuck :)

Pretty sure I would not have graduated had it not been for Mr Mac. Great teacher and a better human....

My thoughts and prayers are with Mac's family. He selected a hard of hearing girl with no confidence and coached her patiently, many times by after other students left, so she could learn the notes (even though she could not sing and had difficulty hearing the words and notes of the song). His values were to always keep trying, stand brave in the face of challenges, work hard, be honest about yourself and your abilities, learn and overcome. He was not afraid to give me a solo. Even though I hit a few wrong notes, I came out of the show prouder and less afraid. He influenced my life in ways that matter. I went onto film school and you can be sure I paid attention to sound. One of my films had 52 tracks, aired on PBS and won a Black Film Makers award. It will not surprise you -- that it was a dance film. Thank you Rocco. Thank you for your gifts and being willing and committed to share them with young people like me.

great teachers are rare in life. we were fortunate to have known him. may his memory be for a blessing.

I've never met anyone who rocked a leather jacket as well as you. Thank you for wonderful memories (including that project that required us to watch 24 hours of t.v. and record all of the commercials!)You will be so missed.

A great teacher and mentor stays with a child, especially a teenager forever. MAC you touched and influenced many children at NNHS over the years. I know you influenced all three of us Levine children in different ways! We had great experiences in your classroom and on stage with you in Ric and Rocco. Thanks for the memories in our formative years! We send out our deepest sympathy to your wife and daughters.

I remember you and JoEllen gave me rides to my doctor appointments in Brookline after school. Your impact went beyond the classroom, and I have endless memories of having so much fun at the Ric and Rocco shows. Thank you for being you, and sharing your love of history, humor, and music with all your students.

The Keegan family will not soon forget "Rocco". He was prominent in our lives during the early years (1975) when our brother, Francis (aka Fudge), played on the NNHS stage with him. Our deepest sympathies to JoEllen and family. You'll find comfort and strength in those that surround you.

teachers that you remember forever, that ACTUALLY influence you life are rare. MAC was one of them. Peace to rocco and family

Mac, you are my hero as a teacher, music fan and humanitarian. I love you for what you did for me and thousands of others - you simply believed in and encouraged us to be ourselves. If I have contributed to my own students lives a fraction of what you gave us, then I have been an incredibly successful teacher. You are a mensch, and your deeds are greatly appreciated by more than you will ever know.

MacDougall, I know that you are high up in the heavens for all that you did to make this world a better place. Thank you for all the gourmet meals, letting me into your home, those famous stares of humor and affection, for making it so easy to be in your company and your keen ability to never judge people. I will always smile inside when I hear your voice saying "judybowe." All my love!

His commitment to education, the theater and his students at Newton North High School were unsurpassed.
My heartfelt condolences go out to his family at this very difficult time.

God Bless The MacDougall Family, I had the privilege to have him as my teacher and witness the birth of "Rocco" the same year I graduated. My children were also fortunate to have had him as their teacher and to experience first hand all the stories I had told them over the years about my favorite teacher MacDougall. He leaves a wonderful legacy to all NNHS students. MacDougall is Newton North High School. I feel that the history department or the auditorium should be named in honor of him. It is a new school only 2-3 years old and there should be an area dedicated to him for all he brought to the institution of learning. Thank you MacDougall for the wonderful memories I have of high school. "If there's a rock n' roll heaven...then I know they have a Hell of a band," especially now with Rocco in the house. Bye MCDougall we are all gonna miss you.

MacDougall:

We will always miss you and never forget your love, skill, and good cheer. My thoughts are with your family and JoEllen in particular- you were my favorite teacher, but I'm quite sure you were a better husband, father, and brother.

May you rest in piece, Rocco.

Your presence at NNHS changed the lives of those you taught in class and those who were inspired by Rocco. You will be missed but your spirit lives on in everyone you touched. We are all praying for you and your loving family.

I met Mac while doing my student teaching at Newton North. He was so kind and so inspiring. Authentic. And he always remembered me when I ran into him years later in Kurkman's. What a wonderful soul. I lucky to have met him.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Our deepest love and sympathy to you, JoEllen, Kate and Cynthia. We are holding you in our hearts.

I never took Mac's American Pop Culture course but loved what he represented at the school: integrity, honesty, love and commitment to education and the students of NNHS. RIP Mr. MacDougall.

Mac, thank you for all you gave to everyone you touched. Rocco will be forever in our hearts and souls.

As a history teacher, as a musician, and as someone who treated students like people and encouraged them to find their own paths to doing what's right -- MacDougall was an inspiring man and will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family and many, many wonderful friends.

Lexi Dew Silva, NNHS Class of 1995

Mac,
It was a distinct honor to have shared the stage, and many meals, with you my friend. May you rest in peace.... (cue music to 'Looking for an Echo')........ forever
T

Thank you for the music. NNHS 1981

•May the sorrow you feel in your heart lighten by the love that surrounds you.

My strongest memory of Mr. MacDougall's class was when he suddenly turned bright red and started stammering like a teenage boy with a crush. His beloved wife had come into the room, walked up and kissed him and said, "Sorry for interrupting. I just needed a fix!" . It was adorable. What a beautiful man and a beautiful marriage! Rest in Peace - prayers for your loved ones.

My strongest memory of Mr. MacDougall's class was when he turned bright red and began stuttering and acting like a teenage boy with a crush when his beloved wife popped in to say hello. She went up and kissed him and said, "Sorry for interrupting. I just needed a fix!". It was adorable! What a beautiful man and a beautiful marriage!

I never had MacDougall as a teacher (more's the pity), but he took a great deal of time to guide me on a history project nonetheless... just because I asked. I later worked backstage on Rocco as well (and always, always went to the shows). He was a wonderful, compassionate man.

Mr MacDougall was one of the best teachers I ever had. I really loved his Native America History class('78). I am sad to hear of his passing, but I know there is a new band member enthusiastically joining in up in heaven.

Thank you for the smiles you put on our faces, and the fun you added to our high school years. Thank you for the memories and for the way you touched so many lives. You are a true legend. RIP Mr MacDougall. To Jo-Ellen and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve the loss of this great man, your husband,your father, our friend.

Mr. Macdougal you are a good man. I enjoyed having you in home room, and working with you in Barry house council. Your Rocco concerts were great. I loved having Joellen as a math teacher. To Joellen and family I send my condolences. David Ford class of 86.

Thank you so much for sharing your eagerness for life and teaching. Thank you for being a rebel. It helped me immeasurably.

Best Teacher Ever! You will be missed by throngs of NHS students. My condolences to Joellen and family. You opened up my eyes to the world and they have never closed.

Rocco was not only the best teacher I ever had, he was the finest man I knew at Newton North, and was the inspiration that made me become a teacher, myself. So for myself, and for all of the students that I have taught over the years, we say thank you, Mr. MacDougall. Thank you so much. -- Dusty Humphrey, class of 1992

Prayers go out to the macdougall family. I was in his show in 1981 as a senior at nnhs as a velvette. RIP rocco

"A Letter From Heaven' by Ruth Ann Mahaffey

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness;
here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you,
when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again;
you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night,
the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth,
and all those loving years
because you are only human,
they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers
unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain,
though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you
and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night...
"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street,
and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go...
from that body to be free,
remember you're not going...
you're coming here to me. <

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2011




Love,
Jim and Judi