On September 6, 2024, Mr. William A. MacDonald of Peabody, MA died at Salem Hospital, Salem, MA.
Mr. MacDonald was born in Manchester-by-the-Sea in 1935 to Alice MacDonald of York, ME and Alexander MacDonald of Peabody, MA and grew up in Manchester and Topsfield. He leaves his wife of 52 years, Eleanor J. (Blott) MacDonald; a son William Jr. and his wife Heather of Hamilton, MA; a daughter Carol Peters and her husband John of Eustis, FL; grandchildren, Alexander MacDonald of Medford, MA, Benjamin MacDonald and his wife Vannessa of Newburyport, MA, Julia MacDonald of Boston, MA, Rachel Peters Harris and her husband Paul of Clover, SC, and Adam Peters of Leebsurg, FL; his brother, Bruce MacDonald of Manchester-by-the-Sea; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Carol MacDonald, and his brother, Robert MacDonald.
Mr. MacDonald dearly loved his wife and family. He was very proud of his children’s and grandchildren’s careers and accomplishments. Family get-togethers and family sporting events were very important to him.
He graduated from Northeastern University in engineering and later in management. He completed the Executive Management program at Harvard University.
He served 40 years in the Engineering Departments of Boston and Maine Railroad, Amtrak, and the MBTA. The last 20 years as Chief Engineering Officer at the MBTA. Early in his career, he developed several machines to accomplish railroad construction and maintenance resulting in a dramatic decrease in manpower for the railroad industry.
He was a 40-year member of the American Engineering Association, (15 years as a technical sub committee chairman), American Welding Society, and the New England Railroad Club where he was past president. He enjoyed relationships with several foreign railroads including British Rail, Ireland, Mexico, Canada, and South Korea.
He was a licensed aircraft pilot. He served in the USAF during the Korean War. He was very proud of a friendship he had with the famous WW2 General George S. Patton Jr., while a youth living near Patton Farm.
During his retirement he enjoyed travel, visiting all 50 states several times. He enjoyed learning about inhabitants and cultures of many countries including most South and Central American countries, South Pacific Islands, Australia, New Zealand, and many European countries. But most important to him was the family time and playing with his grandchildren, which retirement time allowed.
Arrangements by Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.
