Chris Alan McDonald, 60
MASHPEE – Chris Alan McDonald, 60, sadly passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2026 after a long illness with Glioblastoma.
Growing up in Buzzards Bay, Chris attended Bourne High School where he was best known as a reserved student with a talent for art. A builder and a tinkerer who could create or fix just about anything, Chris was a Yamaha Master Technician who appreciated the complexities of machinery, which served him well in his time both working in the marine industry on Cape Cod for over 33 years and as a marine technology teacher at Upper Cape Tech in Bourne the past 7 years.
Chris was a dedicated and hard working family man. He provided without fail, always able to make ends meet. Patience and a good bit of elbow grease were his secret to success.
If you are fortunate enough to have called him your friend, you certainly can remember a time he lent a hand fixing something that needed to be fixed or taught you something that needed to be taught. He was an avid fisherman and knew the waters of Popponesset Bay and Vineyard Sound like the back of his hands.
He was blessed by and thankful for many opportunities in life. From his first job out of high school at Half Tide Marina in Mashpee to his final role teaching at Upper Cape Tech, he showed up every day willing to share his many talents and leave the job a better place.
In the days to come, we all will reminisce on how Chris touched our lives. Please share those memories with each other. Keep his memory alive by going fishing, listening to a Beatles song, cruising along a favorite back road, enjoying a coffee shake or eating some fish and chips.
Chris is survived by his parents, Brian and Kathryn (Barlow) McDonald of Buzzards Bay; his wife of 32 years, Jennifer (Wellington) McDonald of Mashpee and their four children Galen, Trevor, Grace and Abigail McDonald all of Mashpee; his sister Lisa and her husband David D’Angelo of Buzzards Bay; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He joins his sister Jennifer in the presence of his Lord, Jesus Christ.
A celebration of life will take place at Harbor Church Cape Cod, 4966 Falmouth Rd., Cotuit on Tuesday, July 7 at 11 am, followed by a gathering at Naukabout Brewery, 13 Lake Ave., Mashpee. The family asks that no suits or fancy clothing be worn to this celebration, but rather his favorite color (plaid), and any favorite ball cap or fishing shirt. Crocs are especially welcome.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Glioblastoma Foundation, or to the Chris Alan McDonald Memorial Scholarship Fund at Upper Cape Tech, 220 Sandwich Road, Bourne MA 02532.
Arrangements by Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Mashpee. To leave a message of condolence visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com.
