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Brandon McDonald Obituary
He was born in Winchester, May 3, 1984, son of Francis J. and Lynne M. (Ellis) McDonald, who survive him and reside in Chelmsford. Growing up in Chelmsford, he played on many of the town's youth sport teams. He graduated from Chelmsford High School in 2002, where he played football and lacrosse. He graduated from University of Massachusetts Lowell in 2006. He graduated magna cum laude earning degrees in psychology and criminal justice and was a member of the National Honor Society of Psychology.
Mr. McDonald was employed with Continental Resources Inc., in Bedford. Previously, he was employed by the Marine Patrol for Homeland Security in Portsmouth, N.H.
He presently was attending the Middlesex County Sheriff's Department Academy.
Mr. McDonald was a communicant of St. Mary Church in Chelmsford.
He was a certified personal trainer. He took part in the Carole Classic (a fundraising event and an all-star high school football game) and loved rock music.
Besides his parents, he is survived by two brothers, Matthew McDonald and Marshall McDonald, both of Chelmsford; his maternal grandparents, Charles and Diane (Bennett) Ellis of Billerica; his aunts and uncles, Leslie and George Rodgers of Tewksbury, Thomas and Paula Ellis of Billerica, John and Lauren Ellis of Groton, and Donna and James Aho of Dracut; many cousins.
He is also survived by his girlfriend, Christine Gallagher of Chelmsford. He also leaves many close friends.
He was also the grandson of the late Francis and Norma (Stecchi) McDonald.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Brandon McDonald
andrew rodgers
April 20, 2021
Still after all this time, my life has been forever changed. I struggle with it constantly and still there isnt anything i can do where i dont encounter something that reminds me of him. I am brandons cousin and he was my best friend. We were inseperable since we were babies, only 4 months apart. He was a role model and i looked up to him more than he even knew. I think of what kind of man he would be today and i always see the same version of him as the last. He had so much potential and had it all taken away so young. I know hed have been proud to see the awesome men his brothers have become. I know i am. Things havent been the same since that day. He would bright up any room he ever was in no matter what situation or group of people. I always look back at this particular time where i had taken the wrong path in life and ended up in a sober home to get myself back on track. Without judgement, brandon drives from chelmsford to dorchester to take me to a red sox game and then to see a dane cook stand up at Ulowell. Those were my favorite memories. So while my life has forever been changed, and i still struggle with it, i just think about the impact he had on my life, in the short time we had and try to make the best of it. Still so proud to say im his cousin and i know i will see him again someday. All i have to do is listen to nutshell by alice in chains and hes with me in that moment. Guess this is part of my grieving process that im starting 15 years late. Brando i love you bud and im grateful for the time we had together. Til i see you again
Xo
Andrew
Gus D.
October 21, 2006
Dear Mr. and Mrs. McDonald,
I heard today of this most sad news when I asked for Lynn. I am sorry to have missed the opportunity to offer you and your family my personal condolences. It is good, that after some time, the Lowell Sun offers a means to make a late entry on this book of shared sympathy.
I knew Brandon only by the proud words of his Loving Mother. Talking about each other’s kids has been a regular ritual at Big League. Thank you Lynn for sharing the story of your son. Sadly it is a short story. It is a story I know you and all those who knew Brandon will treasure. May it be comforting to know, through faith, prayer or simply Love, that the story does end with an earthly death.
As I knew Brandon by his mothers/ Love of her Son, so will Brandon’s Spirit live on by this very same Love. Brand lived before his earthly birth in his Mother’s Love . Brandon’s Spirit lives on and will continue to be present to eternity in this very same in this same Love, in his Mother, Father brothers, friends and all those whose moments on earth he shared.
May God bless you Lynne and may God bless your family during this difficult time.
May you in particular, have the strength to carry forth Brandon’s memory in your full life as a Mother, Friend and Kindness to others? You have in you that big smile I read about your son. Share that smile and let this be a remembrance of Brandon’s life, as you live your own life full of Hope, Faith and Love.
We look forward to seeing you soon at the “Big League” or anywhere else our lives may cross.
Gus D – One of your many friends in Chelmsford.
Meghan Pragel
October 2, 2006
"We all lose friends.. we lose them in death, to distance and over time. But even though they may be lost, hope is not. The key is to keep them in your heart, and when the time is right, you can pick up the friendship right where you left off. Even the lost find their way home when you leave the light on." ~you will never be forgotten Brandon....I'll always remember you as someone with a smile on his face in the halls of CHS. Rest in peace.
Michele Bourret
September 29, 2006
Dear McDonald Family,
I just want to tell all of you how sorry I am for your lost. My son is in the middlesex county sheriff's department academy and he was heart broken to hear about Brandon. Rob that's my sons name called me up after he was told and said mom I just had breakfeast with him yasterday. The world will have a big viod in it. Their are not many Brandon's in this world. I will have you all in my prays. So sorry for your loss.
Kathy David
September 29, 2006
Dear McDonald family,
I did not have the pleasure of knowing Brandon. My daughter Katelyn graduated with him from CHS. We share your pain as we lost our son/brother Matt in June after a 9 month battle with lymphoma. This is a pain we will live with for the rest of our lives. Speak of Brandon every day and let your family and friends know it is ok to talk about him as this is therapy for you as a family. My prayers are with your family during this difficult time. May God bless you and comfort you.
The David Family
Kudzai Gomwe
September 29, 2006
Brandon was in most of my CJ class, I will always remember Brandon coming into class with a big smile that always seem to brighten up the day. I really was blessed to have had the privileged of knowing your son and brother.
Andrew Rodgers
September 28, 2006
Brandon meant soo much to me! Ive never looked up to someone as much as i did him! i admired every single thing he did, his every movement. ever since babys, we were always best of friends. he could come to me and i would go to him for anything! when i was alone, living in boston, he would come and see me just to show me he cared! i cant begin to say how much ill miss him, all i can do is try and be 1/4 of the person he was! i love you and will miss u forever.
Andrew
Jay and Julie Biache
September 28, 2006
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family, Lynne. I cannot imagine your sorrow at the loss of such a fine young man. I never had the opportunity to get to know Brandon, but his personality is so very evident in the words of his many friends and family who did know him, and will miss him. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Leah Demers
September 28, 2006
Dear McDonald Family, I went to high school with Brandon we didnt graduate together but he was always someone that I saw out and he always tried to make people laugh, he brought great engery to where ever he was. He will be greatly missed by everyone. Im sorry for your loss
Abby Muchai
September 28, 2006
I didn't know Brandon very well but I remember when we'd go to McGinty's on wednesday nights and he'd be belting out all the rock songs! He was so full of life! He had the most infectious smile. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ryan Smith
September 27, 2006
I am finding it a bit hard to think that I will not see nor hear him again in this life. He was always the most loyal friend. Even when I was in Utah he would ring me occasionally to just say hi and if I ever needed a chat, which I did quite often, I knew to call him. As I am driving or walking around in sunny Australia, I think about the sadness of it but then right after, runs a memory of something we did together and all of those memories are followed by a laugh. He will be sorely missed. Iit was a privilege to know him.
Jessica Goldstein
September 27, 2006
I never knew Brandon well, even though we've gone to school together since 5th grade. Regardless, I always remember him as the cute popular kid, with lots of friends, and a great sense of humor. It is really sad to imagine that someone with so much going for him is gone from this world. My deepest sympathies to the his family and friends, and may he rest in peace
Jeff Smart
September 27, 2006
Brando was so many things, but above all he was a great person. I will never forget the days playing Pop Warner football with him all through middle school and into high school. He was such an up-beat person that you could not help but be happy around him. Brans is the type of person that people never forget, and I will defiantly never forget him
Hope to see him again sometime
Jeff Smart
Heather Shaughnessy
September 27, 2006
Dear Mc Donald Family,
My deepest sympathy goes out to your entire family. I used to work with Brandon at Continential Resources, but more recently have seen him playing wiffle ball on the field behind my house, his smile was contangious and he will be deeply missed.
Joyce Ricci
September 27, 2006
Dear Mr. & Mrs. MacDonald,
I can't express how much sorrow I feel at the passing of Brandon.
As a mother myself of two young men, I wish to congratulate you on the way you raised Brandon. I worked with Brandon at Continental Resources. I will always remember him being quiet and shy around us but he had such an infectious smile, and we could make him blush so easily.
Brandon will be in my prayers and you also.
Regards,
Joyce Ricci
Keri Faherty and Katie Ro
September 27, 2006
To the McDonald Family,
We would like to express our deepest sympathy for your loss. Brandon was a remarkable, bright, and accomplished individual. Working with him at Continental Resources and seeing his smiling face would always brighten our day. He was very loved and will truely be missed.
Cheryl Prendergast
September 27, 2006
To the McDonald Family,
I am Adam Kowalski's older sister,
I can remember "Brando" when he was just a little kid, I hadnt seen him for a while, when he came to our cookout on the 4th of July, I was shocked to see how he had grown. He really turned out to be a decent, respectful, funny, good looking young man. We dicussed his goals and he spoke about them with such great enthusiasm. He really was a terrific person. This is a tragic loss, my heart,thoughts and prayers go out to you. My deepest Sympathy.
Ashley Dawson
September 27, 2006
McDonald Family,
I went to highschool with Brandon and he was a great kid. I am so sorry for your loss and he will be forever in our thoughts.
Alyssa Savoie
September 27, 2006
To the McDonald family,
I want to express my deepest sympathy to your family. Brandon was a wonderful young man. I will remember him for his infectious smile and sense of humor. Brandon worked with me at Continental Resources. He was a hard worker and extremely noble. I know Brandon was deeply loved and respected by many here at Continental Resources. I will never forget what a great guy he truly was.
God Bless…
The Barden's
September 27, 2006
Lynne, Frank, Matt and Marshall,
Our hearts go out to you all and we are thinking of you at this most trying time. We did not know Brandon very well, but as we spend time with you and his close friends it has become very apparent that Brandon was very motivated, fun-loving, lived life to the fullest and really enjoyed making others feel better. There are no words that can relieve your pain at this time. Remember one thing, Brandon is always with us in our hearts and memories. Focus on the time we were able to spend with him. Our family is thinking of you and shares your grief. If there is anything we can do we stand ready to help in any way, to listen, to talk to or just be there.
Ed, Sharon, Matthew, Jessica, Rebecca, Danielle
Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Hiscock
September 27, 2006
Your happy and playful spirit will live on with your friends and family who will miss you greatly.
Eliazbeth Rice
September 26, 2006
Lynne, Frank, Matt and Marshall,
May you find comfort in friendship, hope in prayer, peace in love. May knowing that others care, comfort you in your loss. I am so sorry for your loss. Anyone who knew Brandon knows that he would be there for his family and friends, and that he was a loving and caring son, and brother. I know that I will never forget him. I don't think anyone will.
Love,
Elizabeth Rice
Sally Neal
September 26, 2006
Dear Frank, Lynne, Matt and Marshall:
There are no words to describe how deep our sorrow is for all of you. You are in our hearts and in our prayers.
With deepest sympathy,
The Neals,
Paul, Sally, Matthew and Genevieve
alyssa andricocpoulos
September 26, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
brandon was an amazing person and an genuine friend, i'll never forget him*
Sheila Marques
September 26, 2006
Dear McDonald Family,
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I cannot say that I know what you are going through, but I can tell you that the world has really lost a great person. Brandon worked with me at Continental Resources. He always had a wonderful attitude: He also had a way of making you feel special. I will surely miss seeing him. We often talked about school and his future. He was a fine young man who had a clear outlook on life as well as his future.
Sincerely,
Sheila Marques
Naomi and Lance Smith
September 26, 2006
Brandon was such a good friend to so many! Our home was touched by his laughter and his wonderful smile as he and Ryan dashed in and out on the way to fun with friends or just hung out in between adventures! Brandon was full of life and spunk. He will be greatly missed. May our hope and faith hold the promise of someday seeing him again! Until then may good memories bring you comfort and sweet remembrances.
Lisa Danehy
September 26, 2006
I am so sorry for your familys lose. My words can never convay to all of you what my heart is feeling. Lynne, your the most wonderful women that I have meet and Im honored to know you. Whatever you need ASK!
Ron Allen
September 26, 2006
Dear Frank&Lynne
My thoughts and prayers are with
you and your family.
God Bless
Jean Kerrigan Della Piana
September 26, 2006
To the McDonald family,
I lost my youngest brother, Sean Kerrigan, this past April. He was 26 and also a criminal justice graduate of Umass Lowell. Like Brandon, he was handsome, smart, deeply loved and respected, an outstanding athlete (he played baseball for ULowell)and he was also a police officer. Both Sean and Brandon were too good for this world, but I get comfort in knowing Sean is free and up there on my side. I'm so sorry you have to go through this, and if there is anything I can do, please do not hesitate to let me know.
September 26, 2006
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 1998-2006
John Stecchi
September 25, 2006
Frank, you probly don't remember me, I'm you cousin John. You're grandmother was my dads sister. My prayers and thoughts go out to you and you family. Give Dona,you sister, a kiss and hug for me and my sister Pat who is living with me in Chandler,AZ. God Bless.....
Adam Noon
September 25, 2006
There are no possable words that can describe Brandon. He was my best friend since we were little tykes riding our bikes from here to the moon. He inspired me in so many ways and would not be who i am without him as a friend. No matter what the circumstances.. he was there for me.. and he knew that i was there for him. He accelled in everything he has ever done in his life. I can't imagine growing up without him right there by my side every step of the way. Going to miss ya bud
jenn orlando
September 25, 2006
our thoughts and prayers are with your family..... an unkown friend from UML
Bill Haggerty
September 25, 2006
Brandon was one of the greatest and hardest working guys that I know from Umass-Lowell. I have played lacrosse with him for the past three years and it has been the best years of lacrosse that I have ever played. He was an inspiration to everyone on and off the field at all times and he could always make anyone laugh. He is hands down the back bone of the team and will be greatly missed by myself and the rest of the team.
Lt. Tim Dunleavy
September 25, 2006
Mr. and Mrs. McDonald, Matt and Marshall,
On behalf of the NH Marine Patrol, I would like to extend our deepest sypathy to you and all of your family. Brandon was truly a special person. We were so very privileged to have had the opportunity to serve next to Brandon. He was always fair, genuine, and most of all, compassionate toward those he met on our waters. His special approach served as an example for many. As we share in your loss, please find comfort in knowing that Brandon was truly a gifted officer. He will be missed by those he worked with and those he served.
Linda Hall
September 25, 2006
Mr and Mrs. Mc Donald, Matthew and Marshall;
There are special people that make the world a better place, just by
being there , and Brandon was one of those people. Whether it was a friendly hello in school, or a wave while playing in the neighborhood
with Nick, Mike and the gang, Brandon would always brighten my day. My deepest condolences and prayers to you and your family
Bill&Priscilla Hadley
September 25, 2006
We share your sorrow but please remember sorrow is not forever....Love is.Bill&Priscilla Hadley
Katie Gauthier
September 25, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Katelyn Gauthier
September 25, 2006
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
This is one of my favorite pictures.
George and Suji Rodgers
September 25, 2006
Lynnie, Frank, Matt and Marshall,
Suji and I both wish we could come home to be with you and our family. Brandon was a great young man and had a very bright future ahead of him. I hope you and Frank both know how highly I thought of him and what a great friend and cousin he was to Andrew. He will truly be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
.
Jesse Erhartic
September 25, 2006
Brando, I will always remember how great a friend you were to me and how much you genuinely cared about the people in your life. You made your family and friends extremely proud, yet you still remained humble. You were always hyping up the people closest to you, making sure everyone knew that your friends were special and how much you respected respected them. I always felt special whenever we hung out.
You always knew how to make people laugh and could always make me smile, no matter how serious I was trying to be. I will forever remember all the good times we had at New Years over the past couple of years, and they will never be the same again without you. Thank you for being such a great friend--You're a role model, Brando, and you will always be missed.
Michael Mottolo
September 25, 2006
Brands was a special kid with a huge heart. He always brought a smile with him where-ever he went. He will be missed
GEORGE RODGERS
September 25, 2006
DEAR BRANDON, MY FIRST NEPHEW.EVEN THOUGH WE DID NOT SEE MUCH OF EACH OTHER I ALWAYS KNEW YOU WERE THERE.AND EVERYTIME WE MET YOU ALWAYS HAD A SMILE AND A GOOD ATTITUDE.I SAW A CARING,SMART AND HAPPY PERSON THAT I WAS PROUD TO CALL MY NEPHEW.I WILL MISS YOU DEARLY.AND AS IN PASSING JUST LIKE IN LIFE I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU DEARLY
UNCLE GEORGE XXXXXOOOOO
Paul Litchfield
September 25, 2006
Brando was one of the best kids I have ever known. Knowing him made me a better person. He Always had a smile on his face and could Always brighten up someones day. Whether we were playing lacrosse, at the gym, or just haning out he always encouraged me to be the best I could be. Days where I was tired and didn't feel like working hard at they gym he would say, "Come on Paul. Let's go you can do it!" then I would. I really enjoyed playing lacrosse with him because he made it fun. He would always give it his best, and he was by far the best defenseman we had. The car rides to lacrosse games were a blast. He would have some rock band blairing on the radio and he would be singing as loud as he could. I never laughed harder in my life than the fisrt time I heard him jam out to Alice n Chains on the radio. He thought he was Layne Staley. I have lots of great memories from the fun times we've had. I am going to miss him greatly. He was a great friend and a great person.
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