Obituary: Dr. John (Jack) T. MacDonald, 90, of Branford

Obituary courtesy of Keenan Funeral Home:

On November 17, 2023, Dr. John (Jack) T. MacDonald, loving husband to Marcia, passed away at the age of 90.

Born in Utica, New York to the late Gerald and Mildred (Hayes) MacDonald, Jack led a full and accomplished life. After service in the United States Air Force, Jack attended Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history and education, and a master’s degree in education. Later, he diligently pursued and earned his PhD in Education Administration from the University of Connecticut.

Jack’s career path was nothing short of impressive. Beginning his distinguished education career as a teacher, Jack moved up quickly in the ranks of his profession. A passionate and gifted educator, he served as a school principal in Groton, Connecticut, and later, after earning his PhD, became the Superintendent of Schools for Wallingford, Connecticut. Jack subsequently became the school superintendent for Walpole, Massachusetts, and then school superintendent for Dartmouth, Massachusetts. Soon after, Jack was appointed by New Hampshire’s governor, John Sununu, to serve as the state’s Commissioner of Education. It was in this role, Jack’s leadership and accomplishments came to the attention of President George H. W. Bush, who appointed Jack to serve as the United States Assistant Secretary for Education, Elementary and Secondary Education.

As assistant secretary, Jack oversaw national education policy and standards. He was a tireless advocate for the advancement of education opportunities for all school children, and for vocational and technical training opportunities for their teachers. In addition to his domestic portfolio, Jack was responsible for promoting education within the United States’ ally and partner nations. This required extensive international travel and engagement. His responsibilities required counterpart meetings in South America, Europe, and Asia. In these international efforts, Jack established education standards for local and state schools, inclusive education standards for youth at risk and children living with disabilities, in addition to promoting student health and drug use prevention programs.

After serving as Assistant Secretary of Education, Jack continued to contribute to education serving as the Director of State Leadership Center where he assisted state school officers and policy makers on leadership and planning at state and federal levels. Later, he was the Director of the Center for Educational Policy and Leadership where he aided state educational leadership on policy and management. As he neared retirement, Jack remained engaged in developing leaders in education as a Professor of Educational Leadership in Residence at the University of Connecticut’s Neag School of Education.

Jack’s career was demanding, but he deftly balanced the requirements of his profession with spending quality time with Marcia and their family, and pursuing his many passions which included the outdoors and boating.

Jack held his family close to his heart. He loved Marcia and was very grateful to have her in his life. Jack was also strongly attached to his brothers, Tony and Vince. He spoke very highly of them and felt lucky to be so close to them.

Jack loved the outdoors and enjoyed deer and bear hunting in New Hampshire and Maine. He was an exceptional fisherman. Whether fishing off the New England coastline or the Florida Keys, or fly fishing in Montana or Alaska, Jack was in his element. One of his joys was taking his family and friends on beach or fishing outings on his boat. These memorable excursions would often find them spending the day at Napatree Point, visiting Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard, or fishing off Montauk Point.

Jack’s absolute favorite activity was sailing which he learned from Marcia. As soon as the weather warmed enough in April, they would begin to sail and continue deep into October. They sailed offshore and would travel down the Atlantic Coast. Jack loved studying history and travel. He and Marcia explored numerous countries on five continents, creating meticulous journals of their adventures together.

Jack led an extraordinary life and leaves a loving family and a multitude of friends who cherish the memory of his being in their lives. In addition to Marcia, Jack is survived by his children Anthony MacDonald (Jennifer) and Elizabeth Mack (Brad); stepdaughters Michele Goyette-Ewing (Michael), Elise Goyette, and Denise Meagher (Andrew); thirteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and his brothers Tony (Evelyn) and Vince (Rose) MacDonald. Jack was preceded in death by his brother, Gerald MacDonald, his sons, Gerald MacDonald, and Terrence MacDonald, and grandson, Jeremy Mack

A private funeral service will be held later in Wayland, Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Dr. John T. MacDonald to the Neag School of Education at University of Connecticut, https://education.uconn.edu/giving-to-neag/.