James "Jay" Macdonald

          James 'Jay' Macdonald, age 83 of Needham, passed away on January 10 2022. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend to many. 

         Grew up in Watertown, MA to a large Italian-Scottish family, Jay was known for his humor, and artistic abilities. 

        Jay worked as a structural engineer for Eastern Engineering for 25 years before going into business for himself. His solo business accomplishments include work for several major Boston institutions, including recent major renovations for Mass General Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, and Boston Logan International Airport. 

       Jay served in the United States Army reserves from 1960-1966. 

      Jay was an active member of the Watertown Yacht Club for over 55 years, serving as commodore of the Yacht club in 1981.  Besides his love for boats, he loved Volkswagen beetle cars, and recreational vehicles. He enjoyed traveling around the United States and Canada in his motor home with his wife Roberta, and grandchildren. Together they traveled to most of the states. In recent years he and Roberta looked forward to spending winters on the motorhome in Fort Myers Beach, Florida where they had many friends, and a full social life. 

       Jay was a wonderful chef, and master pie maker, which he learned from his mother Ann. A connoisseur of pizza, he would travel far and wide for the perfect anchovy pizza. 

       He is preceded by his father Harold Monroe Macdonald, mother Angelina (Ann) Cavallo Macdonald, niece Lauren Macdonald and nephew Paul MacDonald.

        He is survived by his wife of 53 years Roberta (Kennally) Macdonald (Needham, MA), brother Peter Macdonald (Marietta, GA),sister in law Liz Macdonald (Marietta, GA) children Robyn Macdonald Towner (Boston, MA), Christopher Macdonald (Chester, NH), daughter in law Anne Macdonald (Chester, NH), nephew Michael Kennally (Newbern, TN), grandchildren Alicia Sarah Towner, Michael Andrew Macdonald, Kevin James Macdonald, Caitlyn Marie Macdonald, Ryan Christopher Macdonald, and great-grandson Brody James Macdonald. 

       Loved by all for his kind, gentle, humorous personality. He cared for and mentored so many. Jay will be forever remembered for the wonderful man that he was. May he rest in peace. 

       The funeral will be private, and a celebration of life memorial will be held at a later date.

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