Neil James Macdonald

Neil James MacDonald Jr., 70, of Dighton, MA, died on the 8th of November 2022, surrounded by his family.

Neil was a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and enjoyed nothing more than a home-cooked meal shared with family and friends. Before his journey into the maritime industry, Neil found himself as the head chef at various country clubs and restaurants serving upwards of 400 people at a time. After six years, Neil started working for Blount Marine as a shipwright and chef, where he met the love of his life and wife of 37 years, Ellen. Aside from Ellen, he is survived by his four sons, Neil III (fiancée Meredith Arden), Kelsey (fiancée Melani Cookman), Peter (Lauren), and Riley. He also leaves behind his ten brothers and sisters: Lois Lively (the late Ernie Lively), Karen Peterson (Richard), Dianne Elmekawy (Mekawy Elmekawy), Nancy Phipps (the late Donald Phipps), Jeanne Rinderer (the late Ted Rinderer), Valerie Bourret (David), Alex, David (Janet), Danny, Sandra (Bob Wallace), as well as his partner in crime (dog,) Abby, and an incredible amount of close family and lifelong friends. Neil is predeceased by his mother Estelle (Chapman) and his father Neil MacDonald.

After Blount Marine, Neil continued his passion for ships and ferry boats by leading large repair projects for The Spirit of Boston. Later, Neil channeled his vast expertise into consulting work for Sea Streak Ferry Company. In particular, he was a key contributor in developing and improving general safety measures and handicap accessibility on the ferries.

From restoring his 1972 MGB, collecting and repairing Chelsea clocks, to woodworking and passing on his knowledge to anyone willing to listen, Neil was a man of many talents and varied interests.  In 2002, his strong passion for hand cycling led him to participate in a 277-mile ride from Ground Zero to the Pentagon in honor of the victims of 9/11.

He liked to keep people on their toes, especially with his sense of humor, as he was a true friend to so many. These friends spread far and wide, from his early maritime adventures to his recent days spent at the local YMCA.

He was a survivor of polio and cancer. Through his struggles, he never complained or let anything stand in his way. In lieu of flowers, he wishes for donations to be made to the Old Colony YMCA-Taunton and the Rhode Island Infantile Paralysis Foundation at the below links:

http://www.oldcolonyymca.org/donate

https://gofund.me/0d047f23