Billie MacKay

Billie MacKay, age 94, of Stoneham, a former long-time Wakefield resident, passed away peacefully at the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital on January 25. 

He was born in Winchester on March 17, 1930 and was the son of the late Frank and Margaret (McMahon) MacKay. 

Billie was born in Winchester, raised in Wakefield and was a graduate of Wakefield High School. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in the Korean War. After proudly serving his country, he attended Bridgeton Academy on the GI bill. His preparatory years were fulfilling, serving as class president as well as captain of the hockey team. He also went on to attend Boston University. Billie belonged to the South Boston Boys and Girls Club where he was able to go to Caddy Camp at Oyster Harbor, often seen caddying for Joe Kennedy, father of JFK. He was a coach of Wakefield youth hockey for many years. Billie was a longtime member of Bear Hill Golf Club, a proud democrat and a member of the Laborers Local 22 for over 60 years. 

Billie was the father of James M. “Jake” MacKay of Wakefield, Lori MacKay Miele of Middleton, and Thomas MacKay and his wife Vicki of Boston. He was the grandfather of James MacKay, Amanda Sheehan, Marilyn MacKay, Matthew MacKay, Katherine Betros, Luke Miele, Julia Miele and Madeline Miele. He was the great grandfather of Aryanna, Victoria, Alyza, Abigail, Kingston, Camilla, Gracelyn, Reagan and Amelia. He was the brother of Margaret Cox, Janet Thompson, and the late Donald MacKay, Kenneth “Pat” MacKay, Jean Longfellow, and Patricia Cotty. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and extended family. He is remembered by his many friends and loved ones at Bear Hill Golf Club and the Wakefield community, where he has left lasting impressions on all who knew him. 

Billie spent most of his time being with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom they lovingly called “Gramps.” Frequently, attending their sporting events and school activities where he was always in the crowd cheering them on. Billie was a Boston University Men’s Hockey season ticket holder and avid Boston College and Notre Dame football fan. These became beloved outings with Gramps for both the grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed by all. 

A visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Friday, January 31 from 4-7PM. A Funeral will be held from the Funeral Home on Saturday, February 1 at 10am followed a burial with military honors at Lakeside Cemetery, North Ave., Wakefield. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wakefield Youth Skating Association.