He is also survived by his grandchildren: Eric, Megan, James, Sarah R., Matthew, Michael Jr., Anne, Christopher, Sarah K., Caroline, Daniel, and Kaitlin; great-grandchildren, Zachary and Ava; three brothers, Ronald Santagati and wife Joan of Salem, NH, Charles Santagati and wife Elizabeth of Lowell and Richard Santagati and wife Marilyn of Andover, and several nieces, nephews and close cousins.

Francis Joseph MacDonald, 74, of North Andover, passed away on Monday, Nov. 15, 2010 surrounded by his loving family.

Frank was born in Lawrence on October 20, 1936 to Wilbur and Catherine (Murphy) MacDonald. He was educated in Lawrence where he attended Central Catholic High School. He received his BA from Merrimack College and his MBA from Northeastern University.

Frank worked for over 40 years in the insurance industry serving many families and businesses throughout the Merrimack Valley. He was very well-respected among his many peers and associates in the insurance community, and even 12 years after his retirement, he is still remembered as a quintessential gentleman.

Frank was involved in many organizations. He was a member of the Central Catholic Board of Directors and served on the Athletic Advisory Board for over 30 years. He was very active in alumni organizations at Merrimack College (Friends of Merrimack). He served as president of both Methuen Pop Warner football and the Jaycees. He was also a past president of the Lawrence Exchange Club, and was recently recognized for his over 40 years of dedication to the club. He was involved in many charitable organizations and was always seeking ways to give back to his community.

Frank was an avid sports fan, especially following local high school teams. He was a fixture at Central Catholic athletic events, including the years that his four sons participated. In later years, he was a proud grandfather cheering on the efforts of his grandchildren both on and off the playing fields. He was a loyal Boston sports fan and was overjoyed to watch the Red Sox finally win the World Series.

On the piano, Frank could play almost any song by ear. Some of the most special memories of Frank's family and friends are of times spent with him at the piano. Frank embraced life and lived for his family.

A funeral Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010 at 10 a.m. in St. Michael's Church, 190 Main St., North Andover. Burial will follow in Bellevue Cemetery, Lawrence. Arrangements are by the Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley St., Methuen.

In lieu of flowers, the Frank MacDonald Memorial Scholarship fund has been established at Central Catholic High School. Donations in Frank's memory can be made directly to Central Catholic High School, 300 Hampshire St, Lawrence, MA 01841.