Francis X. McDonald, 93 ~ Well-known lover of chocolate and a Scally cap aficionado

MARSHFIELD - Francis X McDonald (FX) of Ocean Bluff, who lived an extraordinary 93 years, slipped 'aweigh' on Feb 11th by the light of a full moon in the comfort of his own home, with his family at his side.

FX was born on December 2, 1931, in Hyde Park, MA to John D. and Mary Xavier McDonald. He is survived by his 4 children and their spouses, Kathy (McDonald) & Andrew Hale, Caryl (McDonald) & Ray Luciani, James J. McDonald & Cindy (Filo) McDonald and Francis X. McDonald & Beth Manhardt.

He raised his family in Scituate, later lived in Squantum and spent the last 25 years in Marshfield. FX traveled throughout the US and Europe, but loved New England most of all. He served three years in the US Coast Guard sailing from Greenland to Nantucket and was part of the incredible rescue mission off Cape Cod in 1952. By then he had developed a lifelong respect for, and love of, the ocean-especially when seas were stormy. He passed this passion along to his children and grandchildren: Gina, Mac; Nikea, Jeneva; Ryan, Ellen; Kathryn, and Harrison.

FX had a fierce and abiding love for his family and for this we are incredibly grateful. He encouraged each of us to pursue our goals and was always in our corner when we changed our minds to travel a different path…even the crazy ones.

He was known to always have a kind word to say and never uttered a negative word about another human being. Never. He was well-loved by all who knew him.

Following his tenure with the Coast Guard, FX was hired by the New England Telephone Company. After 30 years of service, and anticipating the divestiture, he began his own successful communication business. Like his father before him, FX collected his pension for many years longer than he worked; he beat the system! While retired, FX was honored by the telephone company, and the Commonwealth of Mass. for his courageous rescue of a woman from a burning car in Quincy.

He spent his long and fruitful retirement as a sports fanatic; professional sports, college football, and enjoyed his grankkids' games and theater productions. He also loved playing tennis, golf and pickle ball. A voracious reader, he could recite historical detail. And there wasn't a day that music wasn't blasting from his windows. Frank Sinatra to Kid Rock, he was open to everything. Our beloved dad ensured that our lives were filled with music, dancing and laughter.

Our family is grateful to the Marshfield/Ocean Bluff paramedics, the Norwell VNA-Hospice, and Meals-on-Wheels, who helped us honor his dignity during his final days. In keeping with his wishes, his 'cremains' will be scattered privately. He always knew the sea would call him home.

Fair winds, Dad, you were one of a kind and adored by your 4 kids, 8 grandkids and 4 great-grandkids.

If you would like to honor FX, his favorite charity was the Make a Wish Foundation or play a round of golf this spring and raise an ice cold beer to the kindest guy we've ever known.