Alexander W. "Al" Macdonald

SHREWSBURY - Alexander W. Macdonald, 99, of Shrewsbury, MA, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2026. A life well lived.

Born on July 12, 1927 in Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia. Al was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Grace Charlton and his son, Gary Macdonald. Survived by his daughters, Kim Bollus and son in law Jack Bollus of Holden, MA, and Debbie Macdonald of Shrewsbury, MA and daughter in law, Diane Macdonald of Hyannis, MA and several grandchildren, great grandchildren, a great, great, grandson, and many nieces and nephews. Al is also predeceased by his brothers, Donald, Lloyd, James and sisters, Katherine Smith and Louise Robinson, and two half-brothers, Claude and Tom Macdonald.

Growing up in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia in a coal mining community, he was surrounded by a large, loving family. He loved playing hockey and pretty much lived in skates all winter and played in a baseball league during the summer. He shared many entertaining stories of mischief and shenanigans while growing up. After immigrating to the U.S., he returned to his hometown many times over the years with his family.

Shortly after moving to Brookline, MA in 1949, he selflessly answered the call to serve in the United States Army during the Korean War earning several medals including the combat infantry badge and bronze star. He carried with him a deep sense of duty and a willingness to serve his new country. His service reflected the character that would define him throughout his long life: humble, dependable, courageous, and always willing to do what was needed for others.

He devoted much of his professional life to the wire and cable industry, taking him to several manufacturers, starting with Simplex in Cambridge, MA, US Steel in Worcester, MA, and ITT Surprenant in Clinton, MA. These sometimes included some adventurous moves to other states like New Hampshire and Arkansas.

Above all, he was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather. His family was the center of his world. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren and cherished every moment spent with them. His greatest joy was simply being with his family, watching them grow, and sharing in their lives.

Al loved ski weekends and cookouts where he could be found manning the grill. He enjoyed reminiscing about the “good ole days” and could often be counted on to share a story, a memory, or a little piece of wisdom from years gone by. His stories brought laughter and connected generations, giving his family a glimpse into the life and times he knew so well and the love he gave so freely.

Though 99 years is a remarkable life, there is never enough time with someone you love. There will be an emptiness felt at every holiday, every trip to Chatham, Sunday dinner, the monthly luncheon he shared with friends, the football and hockey games he watched with Debbie, the countless phone calls to family and friends to just check in and say hi because everyone was important to him. Al, dad, grampy, grandpa, will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by family, friends, and all whose lives he touched along the way. A part of our world has gone quiet.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Al’s family from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Tuesday, September 8th, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 am. Burial will be held privately at 11:30 am on Wednesday, September 9th, at Bourne National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Al’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at www.stjude.org or the Wounded Warrior Project online at www.woundedwarriorproject.org/.

To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit his guestbook.