David Reed Macdonald

David Reed Macdonald, 84, a resident of Pelham, NH, passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Lowell General Hospital. He was the loving husband of Margaret (Harrington) Macdonald, his beloved wife of 40 years, who predeceased him in 2017.

David was born in Cambridge, MA on September 4, 1941, the son of the late John A. Macdonald and Louise (Reed) Macdonald. He attended Rindge Technical High School in Cambridge, Class of 1959.

A proud U.S. Army Veteran, David honorably served his country during the Vietnam War era as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division, achieving success as an artillery specialist and paratrooper. Upon completion of active duty service in 1966, David transferred to the Army Reserves.

For several decades and prior to retiring, David was employed in the Graphic Arts Dept. at MIT in Cambridge, where he enjoyed working with faculty and students from all over the world. It was at MIT that David rediscovered his love of running, which he did daily along Memorial Drive and the Charles River path. After retiring, David enjoyed traveling the U.S.A. with his wife, spending time at their vacation home in New Mexico, and being with family.

An avid outdoor sportsman, David enjoyed hunting, fishing and boating, especially at the family's lakeside home in Hillsboro, NH, where he taught many children in the family to fish. He also loved motorcycles and especially enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson, a passion he not only shared with his wife, but also with his brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and especially his cherished children.

David is survived by DeAnna Harrington-Blanca and her husband Lew Blanco of Cocoa, FL, Mark Harrington and his wife Tracey of Tifton, GA, and grandson Zachary Reed Harrington. He also leaves behind two brothers and four sisters. David was predeceased by his two older siblings, Louise and Donald. The family wishes to thank our sister, Katherine, for the devoted and loving care she provided to David in his later years. He will be fondly remembered by all of his many nieces and nephews, as well as neighbors and friends.

Private services have been held by the family. E-condolences can be made at www.pelhamfuneralhome.com. Those wishing to do so may make contributions in David's memory to the American Heart Association at ahasso.heart.org or in Margaret's memory to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org. Arrangements by the Pelham Funeral Home, Pelham, NH (603) 635-3333.

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