Thomas Patrick MacDonald, a recipient of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star during his tour of duty in Vietnam, passed away after an extended illness on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. He was 77 years old.

Tom was born in Stoneham, the son of John and Catherine MacDonald. He grew up in Somerville and was a graduate of Somerville High School.

At the age of 19, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He chose the Marines because he believed they were “the few and the proud” and the most respected and prestigious branch of the military. He achieved the rank of Lance Corporal and spent a year serving in Vietnam during the war. His unit saw extensive action during his deployment, and he lost quite a few friends during his service. He was injured when a fellow soldier stepped on an improvised explosive device. Though he sustained serious injuries and shrapnel wounds, he was fortunate to have survived.

For his valor, Tom was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with one star, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Purple Heart. His more prestigious honors included the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, awarded for valor in combat, and the Bronze Star with Combat “V” (Valor), a U.S. military decoration awarded for heroism in direct combat with an enemy. It distinguishes valorous actions from meritorious service Bronze Stars and features a 1/4-inch bronze block letter “V.” It is the fourth-highest combat award and often denotes bravery under fire.

Tom returned home a wartime hero, but that chapter of his life was one he preferred to leave in the past. He did not often speak about his military service. He served his country and the U.S. Marine Corps with honor and valor, and it was something he would rather not share or boast about.

After returning home, Tom went to work for the Veterans Administration in Boston and later for the U.S. Postal Service, where he worked for thirty years at the South Boston Postal Annex.

Tom resided in Stow, Massachusetts, for the past 50 years with his wife of 45 years, Rosemary (Brackett) MacDonald. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans. He was a passionate modeler, creating cars, trucks, boats, and trains. He loved music from the 1970s, with Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin among his favorite bands. He enjoyed spending hours in his garden tending his vegetables and often harvested so much that he shared his crops with family, friends, and neighbors.

Tom and Rose traveled to Aruba three times and also enjoyed taking road trips. Though he tended to be reserved, he was known for his one-liners and entertaining stories. He loved being a grandfather, always helping his children and grandchildren in whatever they needed. He often said, “Let the kids be kids,” meaning they should have fun, be silly, and not worry.

Tom lived a very humble but honorable life. He served his country with honor and valor and provided his family with a loving home, opportunities, and the support and guidance of a strong role model.

He will be lovingly remembered and never forgotten.

Tom was the beloved husband of Rosemary “Rose” (Brackett) MacDonald of Stow.  He was the father of Christine DeRosa & her husband Joseph of Barrington, NH and the late Jame Harrington.  He was the grandfather of Vanessa Grinnell, Joseph DeRosa, Derek DeRosa, Ashley Harrington, James Harrington, and Krystal Harrington.  He was the great grandfather of Lea Rose, Kyleigh, Kendra, Ava, Lea, Ciaran, and James, Jr. He was the brother of Cathy, Kevin and Joseph MacDonald. 

Private funeral services with military honors took place on Thursday, April 9, 2026.  He was laid to rest at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscowan, New Hampshire.  

Arrangements were assisted by the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, Burlington, MA.