HAVERHILL: Robert F. MacDonald, 79, passed away unexpectedly on May 13, 2023 at Lawrence General Hospital. He was the husband of Deborah (Mann) MacDonald.

Born in Brockton on July 16, 1943, he was the son of the late Robert E. and Marion (Bryant) MacDonald.

Following Bob's graduation from New Hampton School he continued his education at Northeastern University, graduating with a degree in journalism and receiving a master's in journalism at the University of Missouri. Bob pursued a career in journalism at the Boston Herald, Record American, and concluded a successful and fulfilling thirty-five-year career as Copy Editor of the Arts Department at the Boston Globe. While at the Globe he originated the feature column Beer Facts.

Bob was an accomplished cook and specialized in baking various breads. His outdoors interest included fly fishing and skiing. He and his wife enjoyed traveling and visited England five times.

Bob's passion for music was centered around the saxophone, and he extended that interest as a member of the Rapt Rascals five-piece band. It was at that time, while playing in Haverhill, he had the occasion to meet his future wife. Bob served as a member of the U.S. Army National Guard.

Besides his wife of thirty years, Bob is survived by his daughter, Lauren MacDonald, and her fiancée Jason Divins of Georgetown; twins, Jane Cote and her husband Thomas, and their children Aaron and Alec of Salem, MA, John MacDonald and his wife Tracy and their children Morgan and Paige of Overland Park, KS. Bob was the brother of the late Judy MacDonald.

Arrangements under the direction of Dole, Childs & Shaw Funeral Home, 148 Main St., Haverhill will be private. Donations in Bob's name may be made to the National MS Society, 465 Waverly Oaks Rd Suite 202, Waltham, MA 02452. Messages on condolence may be sent to www.dcsfuneralhome.com