A social, gregarious man who enjoyed connecting with others
MELROSE — Douglas E. MacDonald, a lifelong proud Melrose resident, passed away peacefully at home in Melrose on Monday, August 22, 2022, at age 81.
Doug was born in Malden on March 15, 1941, one of three sons of the late Judson M. MacDonald and Dorothy W. (Wright) MacDonald.
Doug was raised in Melrose, graduated from Melrose High School, Class of 1959, and served faithfully in the US Air Force as an Airman, 2nd Class. Following an honorable discharge in 1963, Doug graduated from Graham Jr. College and began working at MassBank in 1970. With his good nature and strong work ethic, Doug rose to Vice President and Regional Branch Manager at MassBank. He then worked as a Manager/Mortgage Originator for Eastern Bank, First Colonial Bank, Norwest Mortgage, and Century Bank & Trust before settling into a role as Sr. Mortgage Originator at Winchester Savings Bank from 1996 until 2011. He then happily returned to his geographical roots in Melrose where he worked at Melrose Bank until his retirement.
Doug’s heart was for the people of Melrose, and he served the community with spirited dedication and genuine loyalty. Doug was former President of the Melrose Board of Alderman, and served as an Alderman-at-Large for many years. He was former Chairman and Trustee at the Melrose Public Library, and the Melrose Redevelopment Authority. He twice served as the President of the Melrose Chamber of Commerce, served as a Trustee of the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, was a member of the Board of Directors for Melrose Credit Union, and the Melrose American Legion Post #90. He also was the Melrose Chair of the Salvation Army, Heart Fund, delegate for the MBTA Advisory Board, and member of the Middlesex County Criminal Advisory Board. He served as host for the local access TV show “Melrose Today” and was currently serving as a Commissioner of the Wyoming Cemetery Board. He also was a member of Winchester Rotary Club and delighted in planning high school reunions with his classmates from Melrose High.
Outside of his family and service to Melrose, Doug found time to enjoy his hobbies. He loved playing golf at Bellevue Golf Club, had an interest in all cars, and loved watching the Patriots. Raised on Derby Road along the commuter rail, Doug had a lifelong interest in trains that was passed down from his father. He took pride in his heritage and enjoyed time away on Cape Cod and New Hampshire before returning home to Melrose. Most of all his greatest interest was in making Melrose a better place to live.
Doug was a social, gregarious man who enjoyed connecting with others with his easy laughter, and genuine good nature. He was loyal and loving to his beloved wife and best friend, Elaine, and a source of great strength and council to his cherished three daughters. He happily energized his grandchildren with his sense of humor, and often times a box of donuts. Reliable, steady and supportive, Doug lived an admirable life of service to his family, and the Melrose community. Doug will be sorely missed by his family and the entire Melrose community. May he rest in peace.
Doug was the beloved husband of Elaine M. (Birnbaum) with whom he shared 55 years of marriage. Devoted father of Laurel Hollinden and her husband Dave of Wakefield, Kelly Willwerth of Melrose, and Alison MacDonald of Wakefield. Proud grandfather of Felicia, Nate, Wes, and Ellery Hollinden, and Kylie and Ava Willwerth. Dear brother of Leonard MacDonald of Schenectady, N.Y., and the late Neil MacDonald.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Thursday, August 25 from 9 a.m. – 12 noon, followed by his funeral service at 12 noon. Interment with military honors by the US Air Force at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. For online tribute visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com. 
