Richard J. MacDonald 86, a resident of Medford, Melrose and Stoneham for all but the last few years died Easter Sunday April 8, 2012 in Portsmouth, NH. He was born June 21, 1925 in Medford Ma., the son of the late John A. and Mary (Soucy) MacDonald. Richard attended Medford HS and Bentley College in his early years and later retired from Lamson and Davis hardware in Malden. Previously to working in hardware Mr. MacDonald worked as a parts manager for John Deere, Major Machinery & at Kenworth trucks for several years. He was better known as Dick or Mac to everyone he met. Dick proudly served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and organized many reunions for his shipmates on the USS Metivier (DD-582). A deeply religious man devoted to the Catholic Church. The father of four (4) boys and two (2) daughters he was involved in the CCD and CYO programs at St. Mary's Church of Melrose. He was especially proud of his involvement in the teenage Friday night dances known as "Downtown" in the late 60s". As a chaperon and "Uncle Mac" to everyone he would encourage the slow dance couples to "make room for the Holy Ghost". Mr. MacDonald was also known for playing "Santa Claus" at many charitable and family events at Christmas time in the Melrose area. When he finally retired, Ruth his late devoted wife of 52 years, and he would travel to Florida which they loved during the winter months. He would pray to St Jude every day before he got out of bed on behalf of his departed friends and family members. It was part of his morning ritual. Donations in his name can be made /to the National Shrine of St. Jude 205 West Monroe Street, Chicago, IL 60617. Richard was the beloved husband of the late Ruth M. (Simonds) MacDonald. Devoted father of Richard J. MacDonald Jr. & his wife Zaida of CA, Lawrence A. MacDonald & his wife Maureen of NC, David J. MacDonald of CA, Susan F. George & her husband William of ME, Gary T. MacDonald of Middleton and Marybeth Florino & her husband Ronald of Tewksbury. Grandfather of Michelle Szempias of CA, Amy Leeman of Wakefield, Stacy Hitchman of Melrose, Harold MacDonald of WA, Craig Falzone of Raynham, Melissa MacDonald of CA, Lindsay Edson of ME, William P. George II of MA, Alyssa MacDonald of Peabody, Sean MacDonald of CA, Billy MacDonald of Peabody, Samantha Florino, Lydia Florino & R.J. Florino all of Tewksbury. Also survived by 11 great grandchildren and several nieces & nephews. The funeral will be held from the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Monday April 16th at 8:45AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Richard at St. Joseph Church, 173 Albion St. Wakefield at 10AM. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Sunday from 2:00-6:00PM. Interment at the VA National Cemetery in Bourne with military honors. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com