Obituary
Guest Book
Jul
28
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church
12 William Street, Newport, RI 02840
Send FlowersServices provided by
Memorial Funeral Home - NewportOnly 6 days left for delivery to next service.
Frederick A. MacDonald, 83, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones on July 18, 2025. He was born on September 6, 1941, to parents, Thomas and Regina (Curly) MacDonald of Boston, MA. Shortly after, his parents moved the family to Scituate, MA, fondly known as "The Irish Riviera." He was a graduate of St. John's Prep and Boston College. He then served with the Army Reserve.
Fred was married to Suzanne MacDonald (King) for 32 wonderful years. He enjoyed many interests and was a voracious reader. Fred loved being a Sachuest Wildlife Refuge Volunteer. While in Florida, he participated in the West Coast "Turtle Watch Program," helping to protect turtle eggs. He loved sailing (for fun and deliveries), skiing as a Certified Professional Instructor, cooking, furniture repair, flea markets, watching the Red Sox and Patriots, and untangling his wife's necklaces.
Fred and Suzanne appeared on Giada DeLaurentis' television show, making their debut in the episode highlighting what to do while visiting Newport, RI. The loving pair made many memories over the years. They traveled from Maine to the Florida Keys, spanning the East Coast to California and Hawaii. They also visited various areas of Canada, but Newport was always home.
Along with his wife, he leaves his son, Josh MacDonald; stepchildren, Lisa Wagenbach (Jason), Gretchen Wagenbach (Rick), Brett Wagenbach, and Jennifer (Barba) Pitt (Jeff). Along with them, he leaves his two treasured and adored granddaughters, Ryan Pitt and Logan Pitt, who not only delighted him and brought much happiness, but also kept him feeling young at heart! He also leaves behind his sister, Jean Ellis.
Fred's life was a gift to those who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 12:00pm on Monday, July 28, 2025 at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Newport, Rhode Island.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
375 Broadway, Newport, RI 02840
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
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.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreSponsored
Jul
28
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church
12 William Street, Newport, RI 02840
Send FlowersServices provided by
Memorial Funeral Home - NewportOnly 6 days left for delivery to next service.