Frederick MacDonald

Frederick A. MacDonald, 83, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones on July 18, 2025. He was born on September 6, 1941, to parents, Thomas and Regina (Curly) MacDonald of Boston, MA. Shortly after, his parents moved the family to Scituate, MA, fondly known as “The Irish Riviera.” He was a graduate of St. John’s Prep and Boston College. He then served with the Army Reserve.

Fred was married to Suzanne MacDonald (King) for 32 wonderful years. He enjoyed many interests and was a voracious reader. Fred loved being a Sachuest Wildlife Refuge Volunteer. While in Florida, he participated in the West Coast “Turtle Watch Program,” helping to protect turtle eggs. He loved sailing (for fun and deliveries), skiing as a Certified Professional Instructor, cooking, furniture repair, flea markets, watching the Red Sox and Patriots, and untangling his wife’s necklaces.

Fred and Suzanne appeared on Giada DeLaurentis’ television show, making their debut in the episode highlighting what to do while visiting Newport, RI. The loving pair made many memories over the years. They traveled from Maine to the Florida Keys, spanning the East Coast to California and Hawaii. They also visited various areas of Canada, but Newport was always home.

Along with his wife, he leaves his son, Josh MacDonald; stepchildren, Lisa Wagenbach (Jason), Gretchen Wagenbach (Rick), Brett Wagenbach, and Jennifer (Barba) Pitt (Jeff). Along with them, he leaves his two treasured and adored granddaughters, Ryan Pitt and Logan Pitt, who not only delighted him and brought much happiness, but also kept him feeling young at heart! He also leaves behind his sister, Jean Ellis.

Fred’s life was a gift to those who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 12:00pm on Monday, July 28, 2025 at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Newport, Rhode Island.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Frederick MacDonald, please visit our flower store.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...

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