Edward Wolford Macdonald passed away peacefully with his family by his side after a battle with cancer on February 6th, 2026.
Born April 26th 1938 to Edward and Ann (Hosie) Macdonald who were both born in Scotland on the Isle of Skye, making Ed a 1st generation in Pennsylvania, PA.
His father passed away before his second birthday, so his mother moved them to Buffalo, NY to be closer to family, resulting in Ed becoming a die-hard Yankees, Buffalo Bill and Buffalo Sabers fan.
After high school, Ed joined the Marines and on returning to Buffalo he joined IBM. He worked on the Saturn/Apollo programs at Cape Canaveral and with his IBM co-workers has, his picture on the moon. He transferred to Newport working on the Trident Submarine program at NUSC (now NUWC). He then retired after 33 years with IBM. Shortly afterwards, he started consultant work with Lockheed Martin for the following 17 years, traveling the country for the FAA. His wife Suzie would join him when she could and see the sights in the state he was in.
When he came to Newport, he met the love of his life, Marianna (Suzie) Houlihan, having a life of devotion, partnership and enduring love for 52 years.
He was very active, jogging, tennis, racket ball, gardening and travel.
Ed enjoyed watching his son’s Jimmy and Brian play sports and his daughter Shona’s dance recitals. On the weekends, Ed and Shona went to every bazaar in town when Suzie had to work. He taught Jimmy and Brian gardening and Shona the love of flowers. When the grandchildren came along, he enjoyed watching them play sports and cheering them along.
Later in life he enjoyed going to the Hillside Café (Cappy’s) to watch the Buffalo Bills, quietly routing for his team in a room full of Giant’s fans. He enjoyed going there for a few beers with his friend Buzz, and talking to the best bartender in Newport, Joe Lalli.
He loved to cook for the holidays and having the whole family over sitting around the table talking and laughing.
He is survived by his loving wife Suzie, son Brian (Sue Maura) Garvey of Middletown, daughter Shona (Jeremy) Macdonald of Saunderstown, Alan Macdonald of Georgia and Kelly Macdonald of Alabama. Daughter-in-law Susan Garvey of Newport. Grandchildren, Eimile and Keegan Garvey of Middletown, James Garvey of Newport, Michael Garvey of New York, Edward Macdonald of Birmingham and Andrew Macdonald of Lexington, TX.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his son James Garvey.
Services will be omitted in accordance to Ed’s wishes. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Donations in Ed’s memory can be made to the Hillside Charitable Organization, PO Box 594, Newport, RI 02840.
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