Michael J. MacDonald

September 26, 1963- March 4, 2008

Michael was a hardworking father of two who was able to squeeze a lot of quality time out of a very busy life. Despite putting in long hours helping to bring the Big Dig closer to completion, Michael was also hard at work building a home for his family. Somehow, he would also find the time to coach his daughter's softball team and make it to each and every one of his son's little league games.

But, as notable as his dedication to family was, it would be his service to others outside of his home that would leave a lasting impression in the minds and hearts of those who knew him.

A member of the local Italian Club, Michael regularly volunteered to work many of the community events held there, and he would also volunteer at My Brother's Table, an agency in Lynn that provides meals for the homeless, often bringing along his children to help instill in them the same spirit of giving and helping others in need that lived within him.

When he died suddenly on March 4th, 2008 - a victim of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a thickening of the heart muscle - he left behind a legacy of charity that others would rally to continue. At the forefront of the charge is Michael’s sister Kelly Colanto along with her cousin Matt Neary.

The family created the Michael J. MacDonald Memorial Scholarship to honor her brother's name by benefiting a worthy senior student athlete at Danvers High School where Michael had been the hockey team manager back in 1981.

As a tribute to her brother's enthusiasm for motorcycles, Kelly and her cousin Matt organized the "Ride to Remember," an event that brought more than one hundred thirty riders last year to help raise funds to support the scholarship.

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 The family of Michael would like to thank you for your support.