Stephen E. McDonald

Stephen E. McDonald, 87, of Norfolk, passed away on October 31, 2026, at home surrounded by loved ones.

At age 17, Steve enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving for three years. He built a long career as an Iron Worker with Local 7 and remained connected to the trade and many longtime friends through the Retiree Club. Whenever he passed through Boston, he took pride in pointing out the buildings he had worked on and shared stories from the jobsites.

He shared 48 years of marriage with his beloved first wife, Carole A. McDonald, who predeceased him. In later years, he was fortunate to share companionship, happiness, and marriage with his wife, Nilce Botelho McDonald.

He is survived by his wife, Nilce Botelho McDonald; his daughters, Tracy Smith and her partner, Michael Casey, of Uxbridge, and Kerrin Moser and her husband, George, of Bellingham. Steve was a proud grandfather to Kyle Moran, Morgan and Garrett Smith, and Mason and Ian Moser, and a cherished great-grandfather to Owen Moran. He is also survived by his stepdaughters, Mellysa Botelho and Melina Botelho.

He also leaves behind his siblings, Rita Lourenco of Lakeville, Bobby McDonald and his wife Joanne of Dennis, and Claire Wood of Pelham, NH.

Steve was a caretaker at heart. He devoted himself to caring for Carole throughout her long battle with cancer and was always willing to lend a hand to family and friends. He loved horses and even took up riding himself. He was happiest when he was working with his hands, whether tending his yard, tinkering with cars, or dreaming up his next project. While not every project made it to completion, that never stopped him from starting another.

Steve also had a lifelong passion for motorcycles and loved nothing more than getting behind the wheel of his Slingshot and hitting the open road. For Steve, the joy was often in the building, the problem-solving, and the stories that came along the way. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Visiting Hours in the Holden, Dunn and Lawler Funeral Home, 55 High Rock St., Westwood on Monday Nov. 9th from 4-7pm. Funeral Services and Interment will be private.