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Daniel J. MacDonald: 1932-2021

Daniel MacDonald, 89, of Lee Ma., passed peacefully from the loving arms of his family and close friends into to the arms of his Lord on December 22, 2021.

Danny was born in Springfield, MA on January 29,1932. While living in Stockbridge, MA in 1992 Danny and Kitty met and the start of an amazing relationship began. Over a few years-time, Kitty and Danny grew very close and decided they wanted to live together in a unique model called Shared Living through Nonotuck Resource Associates. In 1996 Danny moved into Kitty's home with her young family. The ensuing 26 years were filled with such love, joy, amusement, and an outgrowth of a plethora of unique and special relationships that bonded Danny and his community, family, friends and supporters of all ages. Together they lived an amazingly active and exciting life.

Dan cherished the growing years with his Shared Living extended family. He took great pleasure in "everything" that involved Dillon and Devin Curtin. People of all ages and circumstances were drawn to Danny and cared for him- as he did for them. He loved and was deeply loved by them.

Danny lived a very active life with his family and friends. Their favorite activities included attending and helping with sporting events from youth through varsity years. Saturday tag sales across Berkshire County and Sunday flea markets were the norm. No matter where they were, Dan could never pass up a good tag sale to attain another great DVD or album. He was proud of his extensive collection- of which Christmas was his favorite. Bowling was a sport that Dan was dedicated to. He bowled with a team on a Lee league for many years and took great pride in his large collection of trophies. Dan really enjoyed all things golf related. He dabbled in golf at the ranges and putting greens, but most of all he loved cart driving, which allowed for taking in all that a beautiful course had to offer. Dan experienced dozens of courses from the Berkshires to Cape Cod with George and Kitty.

Danny loved trips to Cape Cod. The ocean, the golf, drives across the Cape. No maps were allowed as the ocean's edge was their guide. After more than 50 trips with family and friends, the Cape became his second home.

He loved gadgets. He loved to (mysteriously) fix things around the house, and he was the great organizer. Dan was always very helpful and diligently kept a close eye on all of us.

As Dan was predeceased by many special family and friends; so does he leave. Dan leaves Kitty Kelly-Curtin, Dillon and Devin Curtin and the extended families. He also leaves special friends and supporters -George Fleischner, Jodi Carlino, Christopher Symanowicz, Maggy Walto, the Crew, his friends at BAROCO, and many more.

Without a word - Danny gave so much to so many. His was a life well lived.

It is with both great sadness and joy that on January 29, 2022- we will celebrate Dan's 90th birthday, the 30 years we shared together here on earth and his eternal life in Heaven.

A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 29th at 10 AM at St. Mary's Church in Lee. Internment of his ashes will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery.

Friends wishing to make a donation in his memory may do so to Nonotuck Resource Associates Gift Fund, 425 Prospect Street, Northampton, MA 01060.

If you would like to leave a message of condolence or share pictures with the family, please visit our web site at www.kellyfuneralhome.net
 

“(Through shared living) people with a disability experience a real transformation and discover confidence in themselves; they discover their capacity to make choices, and also find a certain liberty and above all their dignity as human beings.”

Caregiving with Love:
Guide for Shared Living Providers

Learn how Nonotuck developed a love-based ideology of care. We started our shared living program as an alternative to group homes for people with disabilities. Instead, Shared Living creates genuine life transformation for people with disabilities, as well as families and communities. The true power of caregiving is found through hospitality, authenticity, and love.

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