OBITUARY
John "JJ" McDonald
April 13, 1990 – January 13, 2021
John James “JJ” McDonald passed away unexpectedly on January 13, 2021. He was 30 years old, born in Boston, MA and grew up in Marblehead. JJ graduated from Marblehead High School and Salem State University where he majored in Psychology. JJ worked in the behavioral health field on the North Shore.
JJ was a very passionate person and excelled in a variety of areas. He was a gifted guitar player, artist and student, and was devoted to the practice of meditation at the North Shore Zen Center. JJ will be dearly missed, and his spirit lives on.
JJ is survived by his parents Gregory and Mary McDonald of Marblehead, his brothers Cory, Andrew, and Kendrick, and his sister Charlotte. JJ also leaves many devoted aunts, uncles and 31 cousins that grew up with him and loved him dearly.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, there is no public visitation. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11am on Wednesday January 20, 2021 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Marblehead with Covid-19 attendance restrictions in place. Burial is private at Waterside Cemetery in Marblehead due to current attendance restrictions. In recognition of the outstanding contribution to JJ’s wellbeing and success please consider donating to McClean Hospital at https://giving.mclean.org/ and under the designated area/program please type “OCDI” or you may simply commit an act of kindness to honor his life.
Services
No public services are scheduled at this time. Receive a notification when services are updated.
Memories
John "JJ" McDonald
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYPanos Condakes
February 18, 2021
McDonald Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. May JJ's memory be eternal.
Condakes Family
Claire Whalen *Hardy*
January 28, 2021
I am so so, sorry, The loss of a child, Is Not Suppose to Be.. Such A ❤️ Ache. My Thoughts Are For His Parents, May God Help You Through This., And To His Siblings, May God Help You all through this Shattered, Part Of Your Lives. God Bless All Of You, Claire M Whalen *
Hardy*
Beth Chung
January 20, 2021
J.J. was so special to me and I used to look forward to visiting him after work on a weeknight. He was so adorable with his big brown eyes and beautiful smile. I remember how he used to say the cutest things. When he was very young I would ask him where some of his relatives lived just to hear him say O”hi”o. It was so cute. One night he was being mischievous and made a mess. My brother, Greg, came in the room and asked him what he had done and he said “I made one hell of a mess”. He said and did the most adorable things. JJ, I will miss you. May you rest in heavenly peace.
Love, Aunt Beth
Kira Houlihan
January 20, 2021
Greg,
I am so sorry for the loss of your son. Your family is our my prayers.
Love,
The Houlihan Family
Michael Rand
January 19, 2021
JJ was always a warm and welcome presence. I'm lucky to have had the opportunity to spend time with him and enjoy his smile. I'm so sorry for your loss.
With love,
Mike
Gail Kanarski
January 19, 2021
Dear Mary,
I'm so sorry to hear about JJ. I'll always remember when JJ and Laura went to the prom together. You dropped Him over our house and You had Your dog in the front seat. You were worried about all the dog hairs.
I wouldn't have known, but, Laura heard about JJ on facebook, of course. I'm home, if You need someone to talk with. I saw Your Mom back in '20 a few times. I volunteer with the rosary group, which is on hold now.
Take care,
Gail
Rich McDonald
January 18, 2021
JJ,
You were an amazing young man and a terrific nephew. I remember like it was yesterday when Papa and your Dad would bring you up to St. Anselm and we would take a walk to the dining hall to get something to eat. I remember going to one of your swim meets when you were a little boy and was in awe at how you had no fear of the water and could swim effortlessly. I enjoyed listening to you play some chords. You had soul. It was always fun seeing you at McDonald family parties with my own children and all the cousins and will never forget eating roast beef sandwiches and our emails and conversations about OCD and psychology. May God’s perpetual light shine upon you. Rest In Peace. Love, Uncle Rich