Antrim, NH – Steve MacDonald passed away April 7, 2026 surrounded by his wife, children and grandson after a 16 year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He faced every challenge this disease gave with determination, fortitude and grace.
Steve was born on March 13, 1948 to William B. and Jean (Tracy) MacDonald in Boston, MA. He was the oldest of this rambunctious Irish/Scots Catholic family who lived in Natick, and eventually Ipswich, MA. A graduate of Natick High School, he furthered his studies in music and education at John Carrol University in Ohio and University of Connecticut. He enjoyed teaching high school English in Mascenic HS in Ipswich, NH and Pinkerton Academy in Derry, NH. In between teaching jobs he was employed by Digital Equipment Co and a technical writer.
His love for music included playing the trumpet with numerous jazz bands throughout New England, sang in the Milford, NH chorus. As an avid motorcyclist and member of the BMW Motorcycle Club of NH enjoying many a trip to rallies throughout NE and Nova Scotia, Canada. He learned to sail on the Charles River in Boston often into the harbor with sun on his face and sea water sprays. Steve enjoyed the art of conversation as one of the founders of Concord Utne Salon for over 20 years. There wasn’t a topic he didn’t enjoy and often prided himself on taking the “other side of a topic”. At the end of each day no matter what the challenges may have been he would say “well hon, its’s another no complaint day”.
He enjoyed numerous hobbies such as bee keeping, raising chickens, hiking and just being in nature with his dogs on pack walks. When he and Diane moved to Antrim from Dunbarton, NH 20 years ago he was involved in the Antrim Planning Board, Antrim Senior Center and volunteered to teach teens chess at the Grapevine.
He is dearly missed by family and friends; Diane his wife of 34 year, son Nathan of Milford, NH, Daughter Mairin of Concord. Diane’s sons Brian French of Mammoth Lakes, CA, and Brandon French of Bennington, NH. His first wife Mary MacDonald of Milford with whom we enjoyed many an extended family celebration. Grandchildren Stephen Brooks of Concord and Larissa French of Mammoth Lakes were his pride, joy and hope for the future. He was predeceased by his parents Bill and Jean, sister Michelle and brother Andrew. He is survived by he sister Diane MacDonald of Connecticut, Roger of Maryland and Daniel of Tennessee as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
He returned to his Catholic roots provided him with deep solace attending mass weekly as long as he was able. Father Martel of St. Theresa’s Church in Henniker was instrumental in supporting Steve in his last months.
The family is grateful to the Granite State VNA of Concord; and Hillsborough House in Hillsborough, NH provided end of life care with deep compassion and professionalism.
Services will be held Monday, May 18th at 11 am at St. Thersas Church in Henniker with Father Marcel officiating. Following service a reception and celebration of life will be held at the Presbyterian Church in Antrim from noon – 3 pm.
Per Steve’s request donations in his memory can be sent to the Grapevine Family and Resource Center, 4 Aiken St., Antrim, NH 03440 or the Antrim/Bennington Food Pantry, % Baptist Church, 85 Main St, Antrim, NH 03440. He believed in the power of building community at it’s roots.
NH Cremation Society/Phaneuf Funeral Home in Manchester provided support, especially Holly.
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