Brian M. MacDonald
01/03/1956 - 02/04/2026
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Obituary For Brian M. MacDonald
Brian M. MacDonald, 70 of Rockland died on February 4th, 2026 after a courageous 11-month battle with lung cancer. He was born in Boston on January 3, 1956, to the late Norman and June (Harzbecker) MacDonald. He was raised and educated in Rockland, Massachusetts.
Brian was 1 of 10 children, 5 boys and 5 girls. He would do anything for anyone, especially his siblings. He was a proud brother to Norman MacDonald of Brockton, Steven MacDonald of Rockland, the late June "Pat” Donnelly and her late husband Hugh of Rockland, the late Bruce "Paul" MacDonald of Rockland, Janice Nihill and her husband Richie of Marshfield, Robert "Bobby" MacDonald and his wife Joan of Rockland, Jamie Graham and her late husband Fred of Rockland, Jill Schneider and her husband Tommy of Rockland, and Mary Grover and her husband Donny of Rockland.
He also loved his in-laws very much; the late Alan Light, Michael Light and his late wife Chrissy of Sebastian (FL), Cynthia Light of Sebastian (FL), and the late Daniel Light and his wife Dawn of Sutton. Brian was also the goofy uncle who loved his MANY nieces and nephews.
Brian settled down early in life with his beautiful late wife Barbara J (Light) MacDonald. He was a devoted father to his two sons and two daughters. He was survived by his children Brian MacDonald Jr. of Quincy, Alan MacDonald and his wife Jen of Rockland, Kelly Shubert and her husband Erik of Rockland, and Brooke MacDonald of Rockland. He loved to build memories with his family from Water Country trips, vacations, cooking on the grill, making big breakfasts, watching the Patriots game or movies, or other wacky adventures.
If you knew Brian, you knew you were in for a laugh! He had the best sense of humor and would have everyone in the room belly-laughing. If you were in the car with him, you were listening to Aerosmith or WZLX. He was the biggest Aerosmith fan. As for sports, the Patriots were his team. He was always rooting for them even in their early days!
He was always generous and hard-working as he spent years coaching baseball, basketball, softball, and being involved in other events for the town. Brian also took after his father and worked as a Fire Protection Sprinkler Fitter for many years as a member of the Local #550 Sprinkler Fitters Union. Also taking after his dad, he was an Eagle member of The Rockland Fraternal Order of Eagles #841, where he built many lasting friendships and memories.
We saved his biggest accomplishment for last. Brian would tell you, his most favorite thing in the world was being a Papa! Knowing him, you probably read one of his many T-Shirts that read something along the lines of "this is what an awesome papa looks like". It was true,
he was the best. He showed up for concerts, pictures before dances, sold raffles and girl scout cookies, taught jokes, gave pranks, took pranks, and loved beyond measure. He will forever shine on his greatest treasures, his 9 grandchildren: Brian, Dennis, Alexxys, Anabelle, Lily, Kayla, Kylee, Lukas, and Cooper.
The MacDonald family invites friends and loved ones to celebrate Brian's life in the Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 from 4:00-7:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday February 11, 2026 at 9:00 am in the Holy Family Church in Rockland. Burial will follow in the St. Patrick's Cemetery in Rockland.
Condolences
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02/22/2026
Scott Curtis
So sorry to hear about Brian's passing. He was a great guy, Im sure he'll be greatly missed. Sending my condolences to Brian, Allan, Kelly , Brooke & the rest of the Macdonald family
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02/13/2026
Pam
I'm so sorry that, due to a severe head cold, I was unable to join you for Brian's services! Please know that I send Much Love & Prayers. He was a Great Guy and he will be missed by all! 💔
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02/10/2026
Mia Gomes
Rest in sweetest peace uncle Brian, I'm so sorry Brooke and Kelly, I love you both so much❤️ my condolences to the whole family. I always loved your dad jokes uncle Brian, you always made me laugh or put a smile on my face when I saw you🤍
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02/08/2026
Judy Walling
Brian, may you rest in the arms of our Lord.. You were the funniest guy that I ever knew. You always came to vote and you would definitely make my day. For your family, I am so sorry for great loss. Brian is watching over all of you now. He is your guardian Angel. May God bless you all. 💔🙏💔
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02/06/2026
Nancy Shaw
Kelly so sorry to hear your dad had passed. Cherish your memories and he is your special angel watching over you ❤️😇
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02/05/2026
Kathleen Benedict
I am very sorry to hear of Brian's passing I know he will be missed by many. His suffering is over now for he sleeps with the Angels that have gone before him. He will always be that Guardian Angel for you all.
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02/05/2026
Melissa Kane-Conley
Brooke, I'm so sorry to hear the news. Your Dad was always so kind, gentle hearted and funny. Every time we ever spoke to him he'd always have a joke or funny story to tell and have us all laughing. He was a great guy. I hope you find comfort knowing that he is with your Mom again and they are both watching over all of you. May he rest in peace.
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02/05/2026
Kayla Shubert
Thanksgiving mornings will never be the same. I will miss waking before dawn to stuff the turkey with you.
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