Edward Joseph McDonald Jr., affectionately known as Ted, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024. He was surrounded by his wife Catherine (Cathy) of 60 years and his loving family. Born and raised in Jamaica Plain, MA, Ted grew up working alongside his family in his father’s neighborhood grocery store, Ed McDonald’s Market. He was a proud graduate of the Boston Latin School, laying the foundation for a lifetime of academic excellence and community service. Ted continued his education at Wentworth Institute of Technology, and Northeastern University, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Ted began his professional career as a sales representative with Hewlett Packard Medical Products Group, and was selected for and completed the Professional Management Development Program (PMD) at Harvard Business School. His professional growth mirrored that of the company, and he rose to the position of general manager of worldwide sales and marketing. Ted’s 38 years of dedicated service to Hewlett-Packard left an indelible mark on the company and the medical products industry.
Beyond his professional achievements, Ted was a loyal patriot who served his country proudly for seven years in the National Guard and for over ten years as a Crew Member and Flotilla Staff Officer, Human Resources for the Chatham, MA Flotilla of the U.S Coast Guard Auxiliary. He held positions in several community organizations including Chairman of the Board for the Northeast Region of The American Heart Association, Chairman of the Barnstable County Service Core of Retired Executives (SCORE,) and member of the Board of Directors for the Chatham Chamber of Commerce. Ted's greatest source of pride and joy was his family. Together, he and his beloved wife Cathy, raised six children who were the center of their world. Ted's legacy extends to his ten grandchildren, who will forever cherish his wisdom, guidance, and unwavering love.
Ted is survived by his wife Catherine of Chatham MA, his brother Paul McDonald, and his wife Nancy of Mashpee MA, his brother Arthur McDonald and his wife Melanie of Salem MA. He is also survived by his children and their families; Anne Koerner, her husband Eric, and children Emily and Daniel of Westford MA, Maureen Santangelo, her husband Paul, and children Matthew and Catherine Santangelo of Pelham NH, son Edward McDonald III of Charlestown MA, son Paul McDonald, his wife Winner and daughter Kathy Lui of Braintree MA, daughter Denise Garzone, her husband Michael and children Anna, Dominic, and Evelyn of Sudbury MA, daughter Catherine Regan, her husband John, and children Kelly and Mary of Owings MD. Ted is predeceased by his parents Edward J. McDonald, Sr. and Mildred McDonald, his sister Anne McDonald, and his brother Gerald McDonald and wife Hazel. Ted will be remembered for his integrity, kindness, and generosity toward others. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Services will be held at Our Lady of Grace Church in Chatham MA on Saturday, April 6, 2024, and will include Visitation Hours from 10:00 am-12:00 pm, followed by a Funeral Mass from 12:00-1:00pm. In place of flowers, donations can be made in Ted’s honor to the U.S. Coast Guard 36500 Restoration Program: www.orleanshistoricalsociety.org/cg36500-lifeboat-house-project, The American Heart Association www.heart.org and the Alzheimer's Association www.alz.org. For online condolences, please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com.
