James E. "Fireball" MacDonald

ATHOL - James Edward "Fireball" MacDonald, 89 of 85 Everett Ave., Athol, died peacefully Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at home. He was born in Athol, on August 12, 1920, the son of the late John A. and the late Margaret G. (Quinn) MacDonald. He was a lifelong resident of Athol and was a graduate of Athol High School. He was previously employed by Erving Paper Mills and then worked as a Machinist for the former U.T.D. for 31 years, retiring in 1982. He was a lifetime member of the Athol-Orange Elks Lodge #1837 and a member of the Wheelerville Community Club. Fireball always liked to have a nice car. He was a die-hard New England sports fan he loved the Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics and Patriots and also was a big fan of Notre Dame. A true sports enthusiast, he enjoyed watching hockey, baseball, football, and was a big fan of Doug Flutie. He enjoyed spending time with his dog Cocoa. He leaves four daughters, Michelle M. MacDonald of Athol, Marguerite M. Mundell and her husband Pete of Athol, Melinda M. Powling and her husband Wade of Orange, Melissa M. Truehart and her husband Keith of Orange; seven grandchildren, Stacey Woodbury, Meredith MacDonald, Jessica Gordon, Christopher Gordon, Kyle Botti, James Botti, Owen Powling; four great grandchildren Ashton, Adrien, Haley, Natalie; and a half sister Jeanette Bishop of Texas. He was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Eleanor D. "Tiny" (Cadran) MacDonald who died in 2001, by his son Stephen J. MacDonald who died in 2008 and by his brother, John MacDonald who died in 1965. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 11:00 am in Our Lady Immaculate Church, 192 School St., Athol. Burial will be at a later date. Calling hours will be held Friday, November 13, 2009, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Murphy Funeral Home 137 Main St., Athol. In lieu of flowers the family suggest that memorial contributions be made in his memory to the Gardner Visiting Nursing Association 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, MA 01440 or to the Athol Memorial Hospital 2033 Main St., Athol, MA 01331 or to Our Lady Immaculate Church - Building Fund 192 School St., Athol, MA 01331. A special thank you to all the people and wonderful home staff who made it possible for Fireball to remain at home. $(document).ready(function(){ });