Flags To Fly At Half Staff For Wilmington Sailor MacDonald Jr.

WILMINGTON, MA — BMCM(EXW) Kenneth Edward MacDonald, Jr. passed away suddenly in Hampton, VA, on November 24, 2019 at the age of 41. MacDonald entered the Navy after graduating from Wilmington High School in 1995, and spent 24 years in the service, rising to Master Chief Boatswains Mate. Massachusetts Governor Charlier Baker that state and federal flags be lowered to half staff, Tuesday, in MacDonald's honor.

Massachusetts Secretary of Veterans' Services Francisco Urena announced the decision Monday.

The following obituary was provided by Nichols Funeral Home, which is handling arrangements for MacDonald.

BMCM(EXW) Kenneth Edward MacDonald, Jr. passed away suddenly in Hampton, VA, on November 24, 2019 at the age of 41.

Ken MacDonald was born in Winchester, MA on December 6, 1977. After graduating from Wilmington High School in 1995, Ken joined the United States Navy where he rose in the ranks to become a Master Chief Boatswains Mate. Over the last 24 years he has become a role model to many of his fellow sailors. Ken also dabbled in bartending at Cozzy’s Comedy club in Newport News, Virginia where he met Meaghan and his life truly began.

Ken will be remembered by his devoted wife of over 12 years, Meaghan (Slavens) MacDonald of Hampton, VA; and his two beautiful children Lorelai and Jason. Ken is also survived by his three younger sisters Amy MacDonald of Wilmington, MA; Crystal (MacDonald) Sullivan of Avon, MA; Gail Ann (Nee) Belcher and husband James of Taunton, MA. Ken was the beloved uncle of Camden Coleman of Herndon, VA and Adalynn Belcher of Taunton, MA. Predeceased by his father Kenneth E. Macdonald, Sr. Ken was the cherished oldest grandson to the late Robert and Joanna (Nee) Matthews formerly of Wilmington, MA as well as Edward Macdonald of Palm Harbor, FL and Constance (Miller) Macdonald of Billerica, MA. Michael and Marsha Slavens of Waco, TX and their family welcomed him into their family when he married their daughter, Meaghan. Many cousins, aunts and uncles, friends and fellow Sailors will forever miss Ken. All who knew him loved him and will forever keep him in our thoughts and hearts.

Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave., (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Tuesday, December 10th at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington at 10:00 a.m. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Visiting hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Monday, December 9th from 4:00-8:00 p.m.

Memorial donations in Ken’s name may be made to the MacDonald Children Donation Fund, c/o Wells Fargo Bank, 2 Victory Blvd., Poquoson, VA 23662.

Christopher Huffaker is available at 412-265-8353 or [email protected].