Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Daniel J. MacDONALD Sr.
1927 - 2017
Daniel J. MacDONALD Sr.
1927 - 2017
Obituary
Guest Book
Daniel MacDONALD Obituary
89, of East Greenwich, RI and Marco Island, FL, untied his landlines and sailed off on July 1, 2017. He was the husband of Pauline M. (Gagnier) MacDonald. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, a son of the late Leslie A. and Florence (Heyman) MacDonald.
Mr. MacDonald was the founder and CEO of M & G Materials Handling Co. located in East Providence, RI. He was a WWII Army veteran serving in the ski troops with the 10th Mountain Div.
Mr. MacDonald was active in the Material's Handling business serving as President of the National Trade Association MHEDA, in 1983. He also served as chairman of the YALE Forklift Dealer Council.
Besides his wife he leaves two sons, Kenneth M. MacDonald and his wife Bonnie of East Greenwich, Daniel J. MacDonald, Jr. and his wife Diane of East Greenwich; two daughters, Patricia Grant of Wickford, Denise Mailloux of East Greenwich and ten grandchildren, also a sister Virginia Hurley of Cranston.
Mr. MacDonald was an avid golfer belonging to Wannamoisett Country Club for 47 years and Hammock Bay Golf Club located in Naples, FL. He also belonged to the East Greenwich Yacht Club for many years.
Mr. MacDonald graduated from LaSalle Academy in 1945 and attended Brown University and Bryant University from which he graduated in 1951.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated SATURDAY, JULY 8th at 9:30am at St. Greggory the Great Church, Cowesett Rd., Warwick, followed by burial with military honors in RI Veterans Cemetery, Exeter. Calling hours: THURSDAY, JULY 6th 4-7pm at the Hill Funeral Home, 822 Main St., East Greenwich. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name, may be made to Dana Faber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
July 28, 2017
Dear Pauline and family, I recall my early meetings with Dan. Our fathers were related. With my siblings we would visit their family home in Johnston. Theirs was a home of hospitality and generosity.
Some years later while courting my wife, Ellen Spencer, who lived in Pilgrim Park, we would stop by and visit every once in awhile.
Theirs was also a home of hospitality and generosity.
In 1972, my family and I moved to Australia. I happened to be in Rhode Island on the day of Dan's funeral. I regret being unable to attend.
Please accept our condolences. We will keep Dan, Pauline, and Virginia in our thoughts as the days pass.
Sincerely, Ed and Ellen Riley, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, Australia. [email protected]
July 16, 2017
Ken, Your Dad was a Prince. He was very proud of you and of all his kids. I remember visiting the dealership years ago and hearing him tell me about it's history and sharing his unique insights about leadership and industry with me. The world is a better place for his presence.
Bill Ryan
July 7, 2017
Susan and I will never forget the many wonderful times we spent together. Dan was a true gentleman and so fortunate to have had Pauline at his side. Words cannot express our sadness at his passing. With love, Dick & Susan Watkins
July 7, 2017
Denise and family,
May peace replace your heartache at this difficult time and only fondest memories remain.
Sincerely,
Elaine Mailloux
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
July 6, 2017
Jamie & Gail McPhail
Karen Wong
July 6, 2017
Denise and family: So sorry for your loss thoughts and prayers are with all of you
Ron & Patti Cioe
July 6, 2017
Dear Pauline and family: Patti and i want to express our sincerest condolences on the loss of Dqn. He was a man of many achievements but we knew him as a gentle person with a ready smile and firm handshake. May the memories of Dan sustain all of you during this difficult time.
Jane Schwab
July 6, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. I know Dan and Pauline were very active and social people, and they will be missed. You are in my thoughts.
Paula San Souci
July 5, 2017
Mrs MacDonald,
My sympathies to you and your family
Liz Richards
July 5, 2017
Dear Ken, Bonnie and to the whole MacDonald family. Dan was such a wonderful and vivacious man and truly knew how to live life to the fullest. We were fortunate to have him at the helm here at MHEDA and even luckier to call him and Pauline our friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Liz, Ron and Katie
Joanne Piacenza
July 5, 2017
Ken, Bonnie and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your father, it was always nice seeing him when we were in Florida for the conventions. Please know you are all in our thoughts.
July 5, 2017
Pauline and familey i am very sorry of the passing of Dan what lot of memeroies we have I pray for youat this the most difficult time all our love the Ernest and the Calore fameliy
Mark & Lisa Frezza
July 4, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
822 Main St, East Greenwich, RI 02818
Make a Donation
in Daniel MacDONALD's name
How to support Daniel's loved ones
Honor a beloved 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
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 moreResources to help you cope with loss
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 moreWays to honor Daniel MacDONALD's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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
