Herbert C. MacDonald

Herbert Charles MacDonald Jr. was born in Worcester, MA, on December 4, 1942, to the late Herbert and Veronica MacDonald. He was the eldest of six children. He was preceded in death by his brother, Warren, and is survived by his sisters Jeannette Ward, Linda Bonin, Madeline Davenport, and Pamela Westerlind. His wife of 53 years, Mary K. MacDonald, passed away in December of 2019. Their marriage was marked by devotion, laughter, and a steadfast faith that carried them through life’s joys and challenges. After she passed, he carried her love with him every single day.  His sons survive him: Martin MacDonald, married to Katherine, and Dr. Joseph Charles MacDonald, married to Leighanne. He was blessed with six amazing grandchildren, Shea, Ian, Riley, Kaitlin, Sydney, and Brody. He is survived by a family of close, loving friends who will feel his loss terribly.

From an early age, he carried with him a deep sense of curiosity, faith, generosity, and perseverance; qualities that defined the way he lived his life.

After graduating from high school, Herb proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1961 to 1965, including a two-year tour stationed in the Philippines. After returning to the States, he was stationed in Alabama, where he met Mary, the love of his life. There is comfort in knowing he is with her again.

In 1970, Herb earned his Bachelor of Education degree from Millersville University. He went on to dedicate his life to teaching. His first teaching job was in the Environmental Education Department at Pequea Valley High School. Later, he taught at Coatesville Area Catholic Elementary School from 1976 to 1985. There, “Mr. Mac” became a beloved and patient teacher, inspiring generations of students with his kindness, wisdom, and humor. Unbeknownst to many, Mac worked the night shift for many years at Embreeville State Hospital and The Devereux Foundation. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family. Never one to complain, he was always willing to work and taught by example both at school and at home. His work ethic was second to none. 

Beyond the classroom, Herb was a man of many passions. He loved photography, coin collecting, and tending to his yard and garden. A voracious reader, if he was sitting still, he likely had a book in hand. Above all, he cherished time with his family. Summers were filled with hours of swimming and games of catch with his sons, and incredible summer trips to Maine. Later, joyful adventures with his grandchildren included digging up rainbow potatoes in the garden, tinkering on the latest homemade science projects, or basking in the smiles brought by the magical Christmases he and his beloved wife, Mary, created year after year.

To his friends, he was simply Mac or Herbie—loyal, warm, generous to a fault, and always ready with a smile or story to share.

To his sons, Marty and Joe, he was Dad—a patient teacher, a steady hand, and a father who led by example of what it meant to be a gentleman and live with integrity and love.

The names he treasured most were those his grandchildren called him: Pop-pop and Poppie. To them, he was the grandfather from whom they would receive the best hugs, and whose love made every ordinary day feel extraordinary.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Friday, September 12, 2025, at St. Peter Church, 2835 Manor Road, Coatesville, where family and friends may visit with the family from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the church.

If you wish to express your sympathy, Joe and Marty kindly request that you consider making a donation to either the National Geographic Society or the World Wildlife Fund in place of sending flowers. Your generosity will support efforts Dad believed in.

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