Lucas P. "Luke" McDonald

Lucas P. McDonald passed away unexpectedly on August 26, 2023, at age 26. Born on December 28, 1996 in Stoneham, MA, he was predeceased by his father, Kelly McDonald, and his grandparents, William and Helen Edwards of Louisville, Kentucky, and Frank and Adrienne McDonald of Leominster, MA. He is survived by his mother, Martha McDonald, of Lunenburg and their golden retriever, Maisy. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins in Massachusetts, Kentucky and other areas of the country. Luke attended Applewild School in Fitchburg, MA and went on to graduate from Lunenburg High School. From there, he went on to Westfield State University before transferring to Fitchburg State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management in 2020. From the age of five when Luke joined his first soccer and dek hockey teams, he loved playing team sports. He played football, basketball and baseball in Lunenburg youth leagues and at Lunenburg High School, where he was a team captain in football his Senior year. He continued to play football at Westfield State his freshman year. When his days of playing on school teams ended, he loved to play pick-up basketball with his friends. Sports highlights for Luke included being on the Lunenburg Youth Football team that advanced to the national playoffs in their division in 2008, and in his senior year at Lunenburg High School, an incredible win over a strong Westford/Littleton team that had been undefeated for three years. Luke also loved riding four-wheelers with his friends on the trails around Lunenburg and snow skiing at Wachusett Mountain. During his childhood, he was surrounded by many small farm animals – chickens, goats, turkeys, dogs, cats – that he helped care for. With a constant abundance of fresh eggs, Luke loved cooking and grilling for his friends. Luke was also a life-long fan of the Kentucky Wildcat and Louisville Cardinal college sports teams, a passion he shared with his mom. He got a lot of teasing from his friends for wearing Kentucky and Louisville fan gear most days to show his loyalty to his teams. Luke worked during high school, college and after college graduation at Asian Imperial restaurant in Lunenburg. He took great pride in his work there and the close friendship he had with the owners, Kim and Brian, and their three children, whom he adored. Luke had so many friends and touched the lives of so many with his kindness and big heart. He had many close friends that he regarded as his brothers and was predeceased by one of these brothers, AJ Robbins. Luke was also fortunate to be part of a second family, the Benham family of Leominster, MA and shared a close bond with BJ Pessia. Luke had his struggles in life and never stopped trying to find his way through but lost the battle. He will be forever loved and remembered. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to a charity of your choice and to always show compassion and empathy for those who are struggling. A private burial will be held, followed by a Celebration of Life to be held at a later date.

Tributes

Lucas P. "Luke" McDonald

December 28, 1996 - August 26, 2023