Kevin Francis Mackey passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025 in Walpole, Massachusetts at the age of 80. Son of the late Clement and Elizabeth (O’Leary) Mackey, he was born and raised in Somerville, Massachusetts and never forgot his roots throughout his entire life’s journey.
Kevin was a caring husband to the love of his life, Kathy (McGarry) Mackey, and a loving father to his children, Brian C. Mackey and his wife Alison of Milton, Cheryl A. Bayard and her husband Michel of Medfield and Kristen L. McElaney and her husband Eddie of Walpole. To his beloved grandchildren, Tommy and Audrey Mackey, Maddie and Ellie Bayard and Teddy, Johnny and Kevin McElaney, he was “Grampie” and always a fixture on the sidelines of their hockey, baseball and basketball games. He was the brother of Kathleen Mackey of Watertown, Stephen Mackey of Somerville and the late Joseph Mackey. He is also survived by several nieces, Erin Mackey Kistler of Newton, Alyssa Mackey Linder of Somerville, and nephews Christopher Mackey of Wakefield and Micheal Mackey of Ontario, Canada.
Kevin spent his life coaching and scouting basketball, which took him from his start at Cathedral High School in the South End of Boston to Don Bosco and then around the world including the highest echelons of the game in the NCAA Tournament and the N.B.A. Like many of us, he stumbled along the way but found redemption in the game, his family and himself. He had an eye for talent and saw potential where no one else did. He helped mentor and was a father figure to countless young men over the years. His legacy will live on in all he helped. Coach Mackey, Dad, Grampie, he will be greatly missed by all who crossed his path.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole on Thursday, November 20 at 10:30 AM. Visiting Hours omitted. In lieu of flowers, donations in Kevin‘s memory may be made to the YMCA of Greater Boston, Attn: Development Dept., 316 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115 or www.ymcaboston.org.
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