Robert A. MacDonald

Robert Arthur MacDonald, 91, of Portland, CT, formerly of Westerly, RI, and Wethersfield, CT, beloved husband of Barbara (Gilbert) MacDonald passed away peacefully on June 21, 2018 surrounded by his family. Bob was born on February 18, 1927 in Springfield, MA, a son of the late Donald and Elizabeth (Bain) MacDonald. He left high school and joined the U.S. Navy at age 17 where he served proudly during WWII. After being honorably discharged he returned home and completed high school. He was a skilled T.V. repairman working for Ackers T.V. and Appliances for many years where he was affectionately known as “Mac the T.V. service man” or “Captain Quasar”. Bob enjoyed sports and was a huge New England fan which included the Patriots and Red Sox. For many years he was a season ticket holder for the Whalers and was part of their “91” Club, and if you were ever in need of finding somewhere to golf, Bob was your man. He was an avid Civil War buff and had the opportunity to partake in reenactments. Bob was so knowledgeable about the Civil War, he had the opportunity to share his wisdom with students in local schools. In addition, he was also a member of the Elks and the Masonic Lodge of Wethersfield. In Westerly, he attended the local VFW, and thoroughly enjoyed his family membership at the Seaside Beach Club.

Most of all, Bob was a devoted husband, father and grampa. In addition to his wife of 65 years, he will be missed my his son, James MacDonald and his wife Marian of Cromwell, CT; daughters, Cynthia MacDonald of Windermere, FL, and Bonnie Mulligan and her husband William of New Britain, CT, and his granddaughter Kaleigh Mulligan of Chicago, IL. He also leaves his brother George W. MacDonald and his wife Doris of West Simsbury, CT. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his sister Mary Ellen McQueeney.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, June 25th, from 4-7 p.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 26th at 9:00 a.m. at the funeral chapel. Pastor William Barnes from United Methodist Church of Wethersfield will be officiating. Burial will follow at 12 p.m. at the River Bend Cemetery, 117 Beach Street, Westerly, RI. Donations in memory of Bob may be made to the Development Office, Shriners Hospital for Children – Springfield, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104. For online expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com.