Obituary of Alan "Skip" MacDonald

Alan “Skip” MacDonald of Peabody died suddenly Monday July 20 at Beverly Hospital following a brief illness. He was the loving husband of Sandy (Diachisin) MacDonald with whom he shared over 35 years of marriage. Born in Peabody, he was the son of the late Onslow and Aura (Pentilla) MacDonald. He was a life-long resident of Peabody and attended Peabody Public Schools. He enlisted with the United States Navy in 1955 and served for four years traveling throughout Europe aboard the USS Saratoga. Following his military service, Skip worked for the city of Peabody as a foreman for the Parks Department and retired after 37 years of service, his favorite expression was always UCFTIYNH. Upon his retirement, he and his wife were inseparable and enjoyed vacationing and cruising with their dear friends, especially their cruises to Alaska, Caribbean, New Orleans, and Hawaii. He enjoyed his many trips to Florida and gardening and planting his many flowers around their home. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and snowmobiling. Skip was well loved and will be missed by many. Besides his loving wife, he is survived by his children, Michael and his wife Paula MacDonald of Danvers, Richard MacDonald of Maine, Laura Ann Linton of NH, and John Norfolk of Peabody, his two brothers-in-law, David and Walter Diachisin of Peabody, and by his beloved 7 grandchildren, a great granddaughter, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Astrid Swain and son Matthew Norfolk. A private funeral and services were held on Friday with burial in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. Expressions of sympathy can be made in his name to a charity of one’s choice.