Joseph B. MacDonald, Jr

88, of Wakefield, died peacefully at home on April 5th, with his children by his side, after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born on April 24, 1927 in East Providence to Joseph B. MacDonald and Teresa (Deignan) MacDonald. After graduating from LaSalle Academy, he earned a BS in Chemistry at Providence College, an MS in Engineering at Northeastern University, and an MBA at Boston College. A man who thrived under pressure, he enjoyed his 48-year career as a ceramics engineer and manager at several companies, retiring in 1997 from Morgan Alberox in New Bedford. Afterwards he served as a consultant and recruited young engineers for the company. Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Elizabeth A. (McGarry) MacDonald, who was the love of his life. He was also predeceased by his beloved brother, Edward. He is survived by 5 children, Ann MacDonald of Wakefield, Joseph MacDonald and his wife Jacqueline of Narragansett, Michael MacDonald of Nashua, John MacDonald of East Providence, and Mary MacDonald of Providence; by 3 grandchildren, Margaret McDonald and her husband Webster of Portsmouth, RI, Bethany MacDonald of Mt. Pleasant, MI, and Sean MacDonald of Narragansett; a great-granddaughter, Abigail McDonald; and 8 nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his cherished companion of 5 years, Arlene Palmisciano of Narragansett. Joe will be remembered as a loving and devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who deeply valued his extended family and longtime friends. He had a keen mind that remained sharp until the end; a self-deprecating sense of humor; a feisty personality; and a friendly, outgoing, cheerful nature. Even during his final months, Joe made new friends. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service on Tuesday, April 12, at 10:00 a.m. in St Peter's by the Sea, 72 Central Street, Narragansett. VISITING HOURS will be held on Monday, April 11, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. in the Nardolillo Funeral Home and Crematory, SOUTH COUNTY CHAPEL, 1111 Boston Neck Road (Rt 1A.), Narragansett. Burial will be private. The family would like to express our gratitude to the physicians, nurses, and aids who partnered with Joe as he called the shots, and provided expert and loving care over the past year. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe's memory to the Campaign for Cancer Care at South County Hospital Office of Development, 100 Kenyon Avenue, Wakefield, RI 02879 or Hope Hospice & Palliative Care of RI, 143 Main Street, Wakefield, RI 02879.

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