J. Alan MacKay

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Alan MacKay, known to family and friends as Alan, on Tuesday afternoon, December 3, 2024, at almost 89 years of age.

Alan was born in Jersey City, New Jersey to Cecil Donald MacKay and Kathleen (Nicholson) MacKay. He met the love of his life, Helen, at a Harvard Memorial Hall mixer on September 26, 1959. They shared a 62 year devoted and joyful marriage that was an inspiration to everyone. Alan was known to all as a generous, sweet, and kind man, to his daughters as the best imaginable Dad, and to his wife as the most precious and adorable husband ever. 

Alan graduated as Valedictorian of St Peter’s Prep School in Jersey City, New Jersey. His hard work earned him a full, four-year scholarship to Holy Cross College and, after that, a scholarship to study at Harvard Law School. After law school, he accepted a position at Cabot Corporation in Boston where he worked for 26 years. In that position he traveled the world, often negotiating contracts in France and Algeria. Following Cabot, Alan worked as an administrative law judge for the Social Security Administration and accepted the title Honorable, which could not have been more fitting.

Alan proudly served his country in the National Guard for 8 years and retired as a First Lieutenant only when his international travel for Cabot made it impossible to meet the obligation.

Alan's faith was of paramount importance to him. He attended daily mass for at least the past 40 years, no matter where in the world he was. In addition to his faith, Alan’s greatest joy was his family to whom he gave unwavering support, unconditional love and enduring devotion. Through his marriage to his dear wife, Helen, he taught his seven daughters how to love and love deeply. He regularly wowed his family with the depth and breadth of his knowledge. He spoke so many languages and had incredible recall. He was our hero and our rock. 

Alan was politically active. He ran for Massachusetts State Senate in 1964 and the U.S. Congress in 1972. When he spoke of early attempts to racially integrate a hotel in the south during a political campaign, he teared up. He stood up for his beliefs He stood up for others.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Helen (Palmer) MacKay and his seven daughters: Teresa (John) Sullivan, Dolores (Larry) Butler, Linda (Kevin) Godbout, Jeannine (Andrew) Whitehead, Cynthia MacKay, Louisa (Robert) MacKay-Demerjian, and Gwen MacKay, as well as his grandchildren: Ryan (Malia), Molly (Matt), Connor, Fiona, Charlotte, Sebastian, Palmer and Bronson. He was predeceased by his brothers James MacKay and Donald MacKay and by Sandra Knight Marchando, honorary daughter.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visitation on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 from 4-8 pm in the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St. (off Central St.), HINGHAM. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Paul’s Church, Hingham on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 10 AM. Burial in St. Paul’s Cemetery, Hingham. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Arnold Hall Conference Center, 20 Randall St, Pembroke, MA 02359.