Robert "Bob" MacDonald

82, passed away on June 20, 2026, at his summer residence in Wakefield, RI, following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his beloved wife, Arlene, and their son, John.

Bob was born in Albany, NY, to Edmund and Julia MacDonald. He was one of six children. His brother Edmund and sisters Julia, Kathleen, and Mary predeceased him. He is survived by his sister, Jane Clute.

Bob grew up in Latham, NY, and was a graduate of Shaker High School. He continued his education at Albany Business College and later earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Bryant College. It was at Bryant where he met the love of his life, Arlene S. MacDonald, whom he had been married to for 58 years.

Bob and Arlene raised three sons—John, Brian, and Kevin—and were blessed with seven grandchildren: Colleen, Daniel, Benjamin, Jacob, Theodore, Samantha, and Carter. Bob adored his grandchildren and remained an active presence in their lives regardless of distance or age. From his memorable Donald Duck impersonations to his well-known “Dilly Dilly,” he brought constant joy, laughter, and support to each of them. He especially loved watching them compete in athletics, celebrating their achievements, and offering guidance as they grew.

Bob spent his early career in a variety of management roles before finding his true calling. In 1989, he founded Mac Fasteners in Ottawa, Kansas, starting in a small, run-down building with no heat or air conditioning and just five well-used machines—purchased with funds from his sons’ college savings accounts. Over the next 25 years, he dedicated himself fully to building the company, which was often referred to as his fourth child. At age 70, he sold Mac Fasteners to a large public company. Today, the business continues to thrive, guided by his enduring philosophy of respecting employees and satisfying customers.

Following his retirement, Bob and Arlene spent 12 wonderful years enjoying time together and with family, dividing their time between Sanibel Island, FL and Wakefield, RI. Bob was an avid golfer, tennis, and pickleball player, and was known for his warm smile and friendly personality at The Sanctuary in Sanibel. Wakefield became a cherished summer gathering place for his family, where Bob was known to stay up well past his usual bedtime to participate in spirited pool tournaments with his grandchildren.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to those who cared for Bob during his illness, including the Brown University Health Cancer Institute, St. Elizabeth’s Home Care, South County Hospital, Elderwood at Scallop Shell, 247Carenow, and VNA Home Care New England. Their support, compassion, and guidance over the past year meant a great deal to Bob and his family.

His funeral will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 10am from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory – SOUTH COUNTY CHAPEL, 1111 Boston Neck Road, (Rt. 1A), Narragansett followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30am in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 114 High Street, Wakefield. VISITING HOURS Friday from 4-7pm.