Martin F. McDonald III

Martin F. McDonald III peacefully passed away on September 6, 2026, at the age of 90. Martin grew up in Watertown CT and Eastham MA. He was the proud son of A. Francis McDonald and Emma Taylor McDonald.

Martin attended The Taft School in Watertown. He furthered his education at Brown University, the University of Maine, and the University of Rhode Island, where he earned degrees in engineering and environmental sciences. Martin retired from Raytheon Technologies, Philadelphia PA, as the Department Head of Environmental Studies when he was 60.

Upon retirement, Martin and his wife, Susan, made Eastham MA their permanent home. Martin embraced the Cape’s outdoor life, enjoying time fishing, clamming and oystering, golfing and playing tennis, as well as weekly poker games, antiquing and the occasional good bargain at a yard sale. He enjoyed the companionship of family and friends and his beloved labrador retrievers, including Belle and Chester.

Martin gave back to the Town of Eastham, serving as an elected Selectman and as a member of conservation and town planning committees. He was particularly proud of his involvement in bringing the public water system and solar energy to Eastham.

Martin is survived by his wife, Susan; his son, Peter McDonald, and daughter-in-law, Jenny; his daughter, Megan McMillan, son-in-law, Brett and grandsons, Finn and Teague; his stepdaughter, Whitney Vickrey; Emily, Quinn and Paige Wadas, daughters of his late stepdaughter, Barclay Wadas; and his nephew and cousins.

Martin lived his life with a deep appreciation for the natural world. He loved the simple things and found them in Eastham, where he grew up and where he grew old.

A private celebration of Martin’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made to the Eastham Conservation Foundation.