Roy Scofield MacDowell, Sr.

Waltham – Mr. Roy Scofield MacDowell, Sr., of Waltham, died Thursday, September 9, 2010 at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. He was 84.

Roy was born in Waltham on January 20, 1926, a son of the late Charles Scofield and Elfrieda (Lane) MacDowell, and had been a lifelong resident. He graduated from Waltham High School in 1943 and immediately enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on January 29, 1943. He participated in action against the enemy in Bougainville, the Northern Solomon Islands and at Okinawa in April 1945. Roy's military decorations included the Asiatic/Pacific Ribbon with 3 battle stars, Navy/Marine Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal with Ribbon, and the Victory Medal with Ribbon. After being honorably discharged December 12, 1945, he attended management classes at Boston University. Roy was Vice-President of Manufacturing at Artisan Industries in Waltham, and retired after 41 years. While Roy was employed at Artisan Industries he was a pioneer in the development of the artificial kidney.

In recent years Roy became an avid researcher in his family's genealogy discovering that his family arrived in this country in 1638 and is a direct ancestor to Martin Luther. Roy eventually became President of The Luther Family Association. He is a life member of the National Society of Sons and Daughters of America's First Families; National Society of Sons of Colonial New England; Flagon and Trencher Society; The National Society of the Sons of The American Revolution; The New England Historical and Genealogical Society; and a Gold Associate of The Winthrop Society. Other life membership affiliations include the Marine Corp League, Disabled American Veterans; Division 14, the PFC John M. Sullivan, USMC Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 10334, and the Joseph F. Hill American Legion Post No. 156, all in Waltham. Roy appreciated hunting, fishing, watching the New England Patriots and spending many pleasurable hours with Josephine enjoying their beautiful gardens.

He leaves his beloved wife of 62 years, Josephine M. (Serval) MacDowell and was the devoted father of Roy S. MacDowell, Jr. and his wife, Ginny, of Wayland, Lance S. MacDowell and his wife, Sandy, of Waltham, Bruce S. MacDowell and his fiancée, Lynne Bower, of Lincoln, Brian S. MacDowell and his wife, Ellen, and Scott S. MacDowell and his wife, Jeannine, all of Marlboro. Roy was also the grandfather of Roy, III, Todd, Jackie, Tori, Priscilla, Heather, Bruce, Jr., Clayton, Amanda, Scott, Jr., Kasey, and Kelly; a brother of Virginia Patricia Redding of Waltham and also leaves 9 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Roy was also a brother of the late Paul Scofield MacDowell.

Family and friends will honor and remember Roy’s life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Sunday, September 12th, from 2 to 5 p.m. and again at 10 a.m. on Monday morning when his funeral service will be held. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.

Memorial donations may be made to the Boston Vet Center, 665 Beacon Street, Suite 100, Boston, MA 02215.