Alan R. MacDonald
Alan R. MacDonald, 82, passed from the arms of his beloved wife, Patricia, and into the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, December 24, 2021, at Patriot’s Colony in Williamsburg, VA. Alan was a caring husband, uncle, brother, and friend. As a result of his love, loyalty, and mentorship, he made a lasting impact on many lives throughout his lifetime.
Alan was born in Quincy, Massachusetts to the late Daniel and Martha MacDonald. He graduated from Quincy High School and later, with highest distinction, from Babson College (’60) with a B.S. in Business Administration.
Upon graduation from Babson, Alan enrolled in the U.S. Navy and completed Officer Candidate School (Newport, RI) and Navy Supply Corps School (Athens, GA). After time on the USS Purdy as a Supply Corps Officer, he was selected to serve under Admiral H.G. Rickover in Washington, DC as a contract administrator from 1963 to 1969. Alan provided financial oversight to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, coordinating with members of the Atomic Energy Commission, Department of Defense, Office of Management and Budget, and various congressional committees. Over the next decade, he served as a Supply Corps Officer on the USS Belknap, a Supply Schools Training Officer in Meridian, MS, and finally as Commander at SUPSHIP Newport News, where his duties were to establish and oversee contracts for construction of the reactor plant components on nuclear powered submarines.
During his time in the military, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, the Navy Achievement medal, and the Naval Expeditionary Service Medal. Alan’s superior officers consistently described him as possessing sound judgment, strong initiative, high intellect, and a quiet, mature nature. Alan retired as Commander after a 20-year career.
Following his Naval career, Alan worked in Financial and Management Services at James City County and as the Director of Finance for Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools. He joined the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) in January 1990. Over his 15 years with DMAS, he served as the director of multiple divisions beginning with Budget, which later became Policy, Planning, and Budget. In early 2002, he was named Director of Information Management and Operations, where he implemented the agency’s current Medicaid Management Information System prior to his retirement in May 2005. Throughout his professional life, his greatest satisfaction came from mentoring individuals in their military and civilian careers.
Alan was a man of service not only to his country, but also to God and church. He volunteered as church treasurer at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church and as a financial assistant at Bruton Parish. His heart for service expanded at Williamsburg Community Chapel as a Deacon, usher and usher team leader, Agape Ministry volunteer, healing prayer team member, home small group Bible study leader, finance committee member, Sunday prayer ministry team leader, National Day of Prayer local church representative, and as a participant in various Bible studies. In 2006, Alan and Patricia served on a life-changing mission trip to Kiev, Ukraine, to minister to the Tent Church and a village orphanage. Alan also found time to serve his community as a founding member of the Williamsburg Rotary Club.
Alan met the love of his life, Patricia, through mutual friends. Theirs was 25 years of travel, giving back to community, love, and commitment. They traveled often to Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, Canada to visit family. Alan and Patricia loved hosting family and friends in their home, sharing meals and playing board games, especially Scrabble and Battleship.
Alan was an avid reader of history, and he was always excited to talk about the most recent biography or autobiography he had read. His generosity, storytelling, and humor were unparalleled. He was an aficionado of most genres of music and enjoyed playing the piano; he especially loved church hymns and the music of Judy Garland. Alan and Patricia attended many plays, musicals, and Virginia Symphony concerts. He enjoyed watching historical movies and Westerns and had a special affinity for Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Trigger, Buttermilk and a love of horseback riding for his entire life. He loved dogs and had at least one by his side whenever life allowed.
Alan is survived by his wife, Patricia MacDonald of Williamsburg, VA; his sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Arthur Riihimaki, of West Hartford, CT; his niece, Catherine Riihimaki (Kira), and two nephews, Stephen Riihimaki (Cate) and David Riihimaki (Meghan). He is also survived by great nieces and nephews (Dylan, Anna, Grace, Lila, Lauren, Kai, and Quinn); as well as many beloved cousins and friends in Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Boston, MA, and Florida.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life service for Alan at Williamsburg Community Chapel at 2:00 p.m. on April 2, 2022. Bright colors may be worn. Due to COVID, and a concern for the health of everyone, only light refreshments will be served after the service. Alan will be interred at Blue Hill Cemetery in Braintree, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to World Vision in honor of Alan and Patricia MacDonald. Online condolences may be shared at www.nelsenwilliamsburg.com.