Kevin MacDonald

Kevin John MacDonald, 55, of Hopkinton passed away from multiple medical complications following respiratory illness on March 9, 2025, at Milford Regional Hospital. Born in Newton, he was the son of John MacDonald of North Providence, Rhode Island, and the late Carol A. MacDonald, who passed away in October 2024. He was the husband of 31 years to Burnedette (Wilson) MacDonald.

Kevin had a great love for learning and a remarkable memory, and was ever the storyteller. He attended Saint Bridget School and Marian High School in Framingham. He was a graduate of Framingham State College, Northeastern University and Harvard. He had a longstanding career at IBM for 25 years, most recently as a senior information developer in the data and AI division. A true team player, Kevin always was willing to take on new projects and “dive into uncharted waters.”

Outside of his professional life, Kevin was dedicated to volunteer work in the museum world. He served as curator at the Custom House Maritime Museum in Newburyport, where he loved bringing stories to life. He had an insatiable curiosity for the city’s history and its colorful characters, a fascination he eagerly shared through writing, research, public speaking and exhibit curation. Whether guiding visitors through the museum or collaborating with directors and fellow historians, Kevin brought history to life with passion and enthusiasm.

Kevin was known for his loyalty, generosity, humor and caring nature — always putting others before himself. He prioritized traditions and routines: He hosted holiday celebrations, cooked midweek family night dinners, watched entire TV series with his nephews, visited his mom once a week and took her to her favorite restaurant, hung out on Friday nights with his best friends from high school, joined the Vineyard Church Men’s Group monthly for breakfast and discussion, and took his beloved pup to visit friends at the dog park most days. He had a gift for gathering people and bringing them together. A collector at heart, Kevin also enjoyed curating a private collection of toys and pop-culture memorabilia.

In addition to his wife, Kevin is survived by his siblings, Christine MacDonald of North Providence, Rhode Island, and Brian MacDonald and wife Christina of Worcester. He also leaves his uncle, Paul Quinlan; cousins, Natasha and Annemarie; sister-in-law, Bridgette Anderson and husband O’Neil; niece and nephews, D-Aundre and Da-Neil Anderson, and Ainsley, Cameron and James MacDonald; his best friends, Derek Boczenowski, Mike Colombo and Scott Roncka; and his favorite sidekick, his dog, Logan. He is predeceased by his grandparents, his mother and his childhood pal, Maurice Flynn.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 14, from 4-7 p.m. at Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, 57 Hayden Rowe Street, Hopkinton. A memorial service will take place Saturday, March 15, at 11 a.m. at Vineyard Church, 84 South Street, Hopkinton. Burial will be held privately. Memorial donations may be made to Love Unconditional Mission (loveunconditionalmission.org).

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