Obituary of Paul Mackey

Paul J. Mackey, a resident of Burlington for 53 years, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 14, 2013 at the Lahey Clinic Medical Center in Burlington. The beloved husband of 53 years of Margaret J. (MacMillan) was 76 years old. Paul was born, raised and educated in Everett. He was one of three sons born to the late Paul and Alice Mackey. Paul was a veteran of the Korean War serving his country in the United States Army. He went on to have a successful career as a Sales Manager for over 30 years at Hunt-Wesson Foods in Needham, MA. Paul and Peg settled in Burlington in 1959. They raised their 5 children and Paul became an active member of the community and his church. He was a Town Meeting Member in the early 70’s. Paul umpired baseball when his children were young. He was a 4th Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus in Burlington. Paul was a very active member of St. Margaret’s Church and a man of deep faith. He was a longtime usher at the 4:30 Mass on Saturdays and was a former Religious Education Teacher for high school students. Paul’s faith and devotion was a role model for his children and grandchildren as they followed his steps by being very involved in St. Margaret’s as well. Paul, Peg and their children enjoyed their younger days spending time at Long Pond in Dracut, MA. They also enjoyed their day trips to Canobie Lake Park. In 1976, they started spending their summers in West Yarmouth on Cape Cod where the Mackey family enjoyed many special times together. During their retirement, Paul and Peg would spend 6 weeks every winter in Port Charlotte, Florida. They loved the times that they spent at Disney with their grandkids. Paul and Peg also traveled throughout the world. They had family in Ireland and had made many trips to Ireland to attend family weddings or just to visit. You didn’t see Paul without his wife Peg by his side. He had a very special relationship with all his children and was very proud of their accomplishments. He was a proud “Papa” to his grandchildren and didn’t miss many of their events. He watched soccer, swimming, baseball, softball, field hockey, football and basketball games as well as anything else that involved his grandchildren. He also loved the occasional game night with the kids. Paul was very blessed this year to see the birth of his first great grandchild Liam. Paul was the beloved husband of 53 years of Margaret J. (MacMillan). He was the loving father of Paul J. Jr. & his wife Sandra of Arlington, Michael F. & his wife Beth of Billerica, Edward J. & his wife Marie of Burlington, James R. & his wife Gladys of Burlington, and Joanne P. of Billerica. Brother of Bruce of Melrose and John of Nahant. He was the proud Papa of Paul III, Patrick, Teresa, Kathleen, Kerri, James Jr., Erin, and Shea. Great grandfather of Liam. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Monday, March 18 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Sunday 2-5 p.m. Interment in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials in Paul’s name may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute – Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445-7226 www.dana-farber.org or Shriners Burn Institute 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114