Nicholas Lee McDonald

Nicholas "Sick Nick" McDonald, age 39, of Lunenburg passed away on December 20, 2023, after a brief illness, surrounded by family. Born in Fitchburg, Nicholas grew up in Lunenburg attending Lunenburg High School and was actively involved with the ARC program in Fitchburg.  

A 20-year employee, Nicholas was considered the "Mayor of Market Basket" where he spent his shifts greeting customers and proudly sharing family updates with those who knew them (as well as those who did not). Nicholas was a history buff who could easily list off the U.S. Presidents, often treating his nieces and nephews to "Fun Facts with Uncle Nick". Nicholas was thrilled to check off two of his "bucket list" trips, visiting Washington D.C. in '21 & '22 and watching the Red Sox play the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in '23 with his mom, Aunt Grace, Aunt Joni and cousin Emily. When at home, you could find Nicholas watching horror movies with his Jason mask on, listening to Elvis, NKOTB, Ozzy Osbourne, or snuggling his dogs Daisy and Caroline. Nicholas was an avid sports fan, quick to share the latest news from the world of sports and never shying away from a hot take. Nicholas was involved in athletics at a young age, playing youth soccer and baseball. He also played street hockey in Fitchburg; it was here where his family created life long friendships, which remain to this day. He was an athlete and then supporter of the Special Olympics for over 20 years. One of Nicholas's favorite experiences was volunteering at The Haunting of Barrett Park in Leominster, where he got a kick out of scaring people. Some of Nicholas's proudest moments included watching his siblings play sports at Fitchburg High, watching his brother Frank play football for UMass Amherst and his cousin Daryan play football for Army West Point.

Most of all, many will remember his uncanny ability to make people smile with his endless jokes and anecdotes, regardless of where he was or how inappropriate it may have been. Nicholas is survived by his parents Frank and Debra of Lunenburg, siblings Frank McDonald & his wife Valerie of Westminster and their children Camila and Dominic, Megan McDonald of Fitchburg, Justin McDonald & his wife Christa of Gardner and their children Gia and Myles, cousin/honorary sister Emily Barry of Brighton as well as 9 aunts, 4 uncles, 26 first cousins, and dozens of second cousins. Nicholas's memory lives on through siblings' friends, who became friends of his own.

Calling hours will be at Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd. Fitchburg, MA, on Friday, January 5th from 4-7pm. Extended calling hours will be on Saturday, January 6th from 9-10:30am. There will be a Funeral Service following morning visitation on Saturday, January 6th at 11am. A Celebration of Life will take place at Monoosnock Country Club, 40 Monoosnock Ave. Leominster, MA, on January 6th from 2-6pm. The family is requesting informal attire to honor your connection to Nicholas (i.e. NKTOB, Ozzy, Elvis, sports attire, etc.) for all services.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Special Olympics, ARC of Fitchburg, or Worcester Animal Rescue League where Caroline, the beloved family dog, was rescued. 

Arrangements under the care of Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd. Fitchburg, MA 01420.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, Melissa A. McQuaid, Funeral Directors.