Dr. Kenneth F. MacDonnell ’57
Dr. Kenneth F. MacDonnell, Weston, MA, died December 26.
Kenny attended St. Mary’s High School in Waltham before Saint Michael’s, and he went on to graduate from Seton Hall College of Medicine in New Jersey. In 2004 he was inducted into the Saint Michael’s Academic Hall of Fame, recognizing his distinguished career in medicine. The Academic Hall of Fame was established to recognize those alumni whose outstanding post-graduate careers further the mission of the College.
Dr. MacDonnell authored four textbooks and 75 scientific papers in the field of pulmonary medicine over the course of his career, and in 2012 he made a donation to Durick Library at Saint Michael’s to purchase an extensive collection of books of poetry in memory of his wife of 53 years, Ann, following her 2011 death. He was a President’s Medallion supporter of the College.
Kenny and Ann welcomed 11 children in the first 15 years of their marriage, all while Kenny finished medical school and began his career as a physician. They were fiercely committed to family and selfless in the sacrifices they made on behalf of their children, instilling a strong sense of faith, dedication, hard work, and the importance of a good education.
Dr. MacDonnell began his career as a physician at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, in Boston, in 1961, and completed his internship and residency there. He went on to complete fellowships in pulmonary medicine and was a NIH Research Fellow at Tufts Lung Station at the Boston City Hospital prior to returning to St. Elizabeth’s where he remained for the rest of his professional career. He was named the Chief of the Pulmonary Division in 1967. In 1987, he became Chairman of the Department of Medicine, a position he held for 17 years. He went on to serve as the Chairman of the Board of Governors Caritas Christi Health Care System until his retirement.
Dr. MacDonnell was a distinguished Professor of Medicine at the Tufts University School of Medicine where he became a faculty member in 1966 — an affiliation he maintained his entire career. He was recognized over the years with numerous awards for teaching excellence both by house officers and medical students.
In 1992 Dr. MacDonnell was recognized by Boston Magazine in the category of Best Intensive Care physicians. In 1999 he was awarded the Distinguished Faculty Award, presented by Tufts University School of Medicine to an outstanding faculty member.
Dr. MacDonnell served on the Board of Trustees for the Pope John XXIII National Seminary in Weston for a number of years. He was also a knight of the holy sepulchre.
Kenny was a lifelong learner who put the same “all-in” effort and attitude that he did to his role as father, physician, and friend into his many diverse hobbies. He was an avid historian with a fondness for the Civil War Era; an exercise enthusiast who loved to play basketball, run, and lift weights; a voracious reader; a painter; a dancer; a motorcyclist; and a lover of music who learned to play the piano at age 65.
Besides his wife Ann (Walsh), Kenny was predeceased by an infant daughter. He is survived by five sons including Francis MacDonnell ’81, five daughters, a brother and extended family.