Obituary of Donald J MacPherson

Donald MacPherson, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, September 28th surrounded by his loving wife and daughters. He was 90 years young. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 10th at 11 am at the funeral home. Burial with military honors to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover. Friends, fans and relatives may visit from 9:00 to 11:00 that morning. In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted to the good work of the Alzheimers Association, 400 Morris Ave, Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834. Donald was born on February 26, 1925 in Coaldale, PA to the late Daniel and Catherine (nee Hoben) MacPherson. In the late twenties the family moved to Lynn, MA where he attended St. Mary’s grammar class of 1938 and boys High School (SMBHS Class of 1942). Dr. MacPherson completed his premedical studies at Boston College and Brown and received his M.D. degree from The University of Vermont College of Medicine in 1948. Following internship he served as Medical Officer in the Navy. He completed pathology training in Boston and the Naval Medical Center Bethesda, MD. He was certified by the American Board of Pathology in 1955. Following active military service he moved to New Jersey in 1957. He served as pathologist on several hospital staffs including Hackensack, Valley, St. Barnabas, Palisades and Beth Israel in Passaic. He was Director of Pathology for 17 years at West Hudson Hospital, Kearny prior to retirement in 1980. He was a 50 year member of the AMA as well as a fellow of the College of American Pathologists, American Society of Clinical Pathology and Association and a founding fellow of the Association of Clinical Scientists. He was a veteran of World War II and Korean War. He retired as Colonel in the Army Reserve. Donald was kind, generous, and a true gentleman. He was a devoted husband, father, Grandpa, and all American. He was an adept physician, perpetual friend and a polished professional. He possessed an enthusiastic spirit which has not left us, and the lives of everyone who had the good fortune of knowing him are better for it. Predeceased by his five younger siblings; he leaves only happy memories to his wife Loretta of 60 years; his daughters Lori Feder and Linda Luongo (Frank); grandsons Brian and Kevin Feder; granddaughter Anna Luongo; and many more loving relatives and friends.