Richard Lockhart McDonald, 86

[broadstreet zone=”63788″]

[broadstreet zone=”63788″]

FRAMINGHAM – Richard Lockhart McDonald (“Dick”), age 86, grew up in Saxonville, and lived in Framingham died on Thursday April 15^th at Christopher Heights, Marlborough.  Dick’s life has been an amazing journey. 

He was the first American generation in his family, born to proud Irish immigrants who arrived at Ellis Island in the 1920’s.  He was passionate about all things Boston and Framingham. 

He was blessed in his journey with jobs, including Roxbury Carpet; sales at GF Furniture; White’s Hardware; and at Upham School, where he was adored by both the children and the staff.

Although a stroke left him with limited speech, he was an engaging and gifted communicator.  He connected with friends, family and left a long-lasting impression with people lucky enough to have met him.  He was a truly kind person, always with a friendly smile, thoughtful word or meaningful gesture.  For his high school, he was a member of the Class Reunion Committee of 1952. 

Physical limitations from the stroke never stopped him from the joy of life.  He visited favorite places around town and enjoyed restaurant trips with his many friends and family.  He refused to be defined by limitations, preferring to push through, thus earning the nickname of a “Medical Miracle” for all that he was able to accomplish against the odds.

Dick was predeceased by his loving wife of 57 years, Margaret McDonald. He was survived by his children, Jeanne Janiak and her husband Andrew of Chatham, Scott McDonald and his wife Dianne of Ashland, Kelly McDonald and his wife Allison of Florida.  He was the adored grandfather of Erik, Kyle, Rachel, Megan, Brennan, Casey, Kelsey and Tyler, and a loving great grandfather to Sophia, Benjamin, Mackenzie and Weston. 

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in his memory may be made to the Framingham Heart Study Research Fund (Framinghamheartstudy.org).  Dick’s parents were first generation to the study, followed proudly by Dick and his family.  The Study has made fantastic strides in the medical community.

Private service at the Norton Funeral Home, 53 Beech Street in Framingham.

Family and friends are invited to the burial at Edwards Church Cemetery and a celebration of life on June 4, 2021 at 11:45 a.m..

To leave a message of condolence and sign the online guest book, please visit www.nortonfuneralhome.com