Kenneth G.M. MacKay, a 40-year resident of Melrose, passed away with his loving family at his side on Wed., June 8 at Massachusetts General Hospital. He was born on Nov. 1, 1920 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, one of six children of the late John and Marion (McLeod) MacKay.
He was raised in Jamaica Plain, where he graduated from high school. He matriculated to Northeastern University before his studies were interrupted by World War II. He served his country for five years in the U.S. Army and returned home to complete his business degree from Northeastern. He met Frances J. Reardon, whom he married in January of 1956, and they settled in Melrose to raise their family. He worked for many years for New England Telephone until his retirement as a directory manager.
He had a variety of interests throughout his life. He loved reading, golfing, and writing. He was a big fan of the Boston sports teams and had an interest in animals, nature and genealogy. He was very proud of his Scottish heritage and right up until his passing had lived an independent and self-sufficient life. He will be lovingly remembered by his family, whom he loved dearly, especially his three grandsons, Alex, Abbott and Albert.
He was the beloved husband of the late Frances J. (Reardon) MacKay with whom he shared 45 years of marriage. Devoted father of Kenneth E. MacKay of Melrose and his partner Richard Laws of Malden, and John A. MacKay and his wife Leslie of Sanford, Maine. Dear brother of Neil MacKay and his wife Priscilla of Wellesley; Bruce MacKay and his wife Rosemary of Yarmouth, Maine; the late Donald MacKay and his wife Stella; Ailsa Newman and her husband Dr. John; and Ellen Prescott and her husband Richard. Cherished grandfather of J. Alex MacKay, Abbott K. MacKay and Albert J. Mansolilli. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews and longtime friend Phyllis Meserlian of West Roxbury. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff at Mass General Hospital for the special care, professionalism, and compassion they received.
Services will be private. Gifts in Ken’s memory may be made to Mass General Hospital, Palliative Care, 55 Fruit St., Boston, MA 02114. For online tribute or to sign the guestbook visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.