In November 1996, three funeral service firms that had served thousands of families from Watertown and surrounding communities through several generations, joined together as the MacDonald, Rockwell, & MacDonald Funeral Service. The multi-generational owners of all three firms are well-known, respected business and community leaders.

The three principals, Donald MacDonald, Joseph MacDonald and William Urquhart are continuing the tradition of professional service and personal commitment to the families they serve. The new relationship enhances the quality and value the firm is able to offer to families who depend upon them.

The MacDonald, Rockwell & MacDonald Funeral Service is a member of the Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association. The MacDonald, Rockwell & MacDonald Funeral Service operates facilities at 270 Main Street in Watertown. Each of the directors may be reached through (617) 924-4700 .

The Directors

The Rockwell Funeral Service was founded in 1917 by Winthrop Rockwell who was later joined by his son, Arthur "Bud" Rockwell, and in 1971 by William H. Urquhart. Bud, an active parishioner at the former Phillips Congregational Church, is a Trustee and Corporator of the Watertown Savings Bank, an former member of the Watertown Rotary Club, as well as other civic and fraternal organizations. William Urquhart is a Two-Term Past President and Director of the Watertown Rotary Club, a Paul Harris Fellow Recipient for his outstanding community achievements, and a member of the Pequossette Masonic Lodge in Watertown. He has coached Little League, Major League, and Farm teams, as well as Youth Hockey. William is a long time resident of Watertown. A graduate of Norwich University and the New England Institute of Applied Sciences, he is a former member of the Board of Directors of the Faith in Action Project. Bill was also a director of The Marshall Home in Watertown.

Donald J. MacDonald, Jr. joined his father in 1970 at the Donald J. MacDonald & Son Funeral Home, founded in 1935. Donald, active in St. Patrick's Parish, is President of the St. Patrick's Alumni Association. He served for twenty-three years as a Library Trustee in Watertown and also as President of the Mass. Association of Library Trustees. Active in community organizations, including the Rotary Club, the Children's Theater, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division 14, he is also a participant in regional cultural organizations, including service as a member and past treasurer of the Circolo Italiano di Boston and a supporter of the Irish Studies program at Boston College, where he received his undergraduate degree. Donald is a former director of the Watertown Education Foundation and a current member of the Watertown Chamber of Commerce. He is a graduate of the New England Institute of Applied Sciences where he was awarded the prestigious A. Johnson Dodge Founders award upon graduation.

Joseph P. "Sandy" MacDonald joined his father in 1970 at the Joseph A. MacDonald Funeral Service, founded in 1945. Sandy, past Co-President of the Couple's Club of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Church, was also a CCD teacher and lector. Formerly, an active member and former Secretary of the Watertown Rotary Club, he was named a Paul Harris Fellow in recognition of his leadership in the Club. Sandy is active in local affairs having served as a member of Watertown's Bicentennial and 350th Anniversary Committees. A founding director of the Watertown Chamber of Commerce, he was named its Person of the Year in 1981. A graduate of Boston College and the N.E. Institute of Applied Sciences, Sandy has been published in the New England Funeral Director and has lectured on the subject of death and dying. He was a founder and director of the former Watertown, Waltham, and Belmont Hospice Association. He was a member of the Watertown Square Revitalization Committee and a member of the Oakley Country Club.

Kevin W. MacDonald, son of Joseph MacDonald,joined the firm in 1999. Kevin, a Watertown resident, is a graduate of Boston College High School and Oregon State University. He furthered his studies at the Commonwealth Institute in Houston Texas where he received his Associate Degree in Funeral Service in 1999.   Kevin is currently a Firefighter with the Watertown Fire Department.

Joining the firm in 2011 as an associate was Andrew J. "A.J." Urquhart, son of William H. Urquhart. Andrew, a Watertown resident, is a graduate of Matignon High School and St. Michael's College in Vermont. Alumni of St. Michael's College baseball team, member of St. Patrick's Parish in Watertown, and a founding member of the St. Patrick's Young Professionals Group. He furthered his studies at the Commonwealth Institute in Houston Texas where he received his Associate Degree in Funeral Service in 2010.