Weldon Lee MacDonald Jr.

Hampton — Weldon L. “Will” MacDonald Jr., 67, of Hampton, passed away on Friday, September 4, 2026 after a period of declining health. A beloved brother, devoted father, and adoring grandfather, Will’s family was at the heart of his life. Will was born in Quincy, Massachusetts, on August 5, 1959, to the late Weldon L. MacDonald Sr. and Claire (Hubbell) MacDonald. He was raised in Manchester New Hampshire and attended Memorial High School. As a young man, Will proudly served four years in the United States Navy. During his service, he worked as a journalist, contributing to the Naval yearbook and also did both writing and radio work. In 1987, Will co-founded Pelmac with a friend, building a security company that serves the greater New Hampshire area. He later worked as a sales trainer for UniFirst, creating training programs and imparting lessons to last a lifetime. The overwhelming respect shown by his professional community and colleagues across the industry speaks volumes about what an amazing mentor and legend he was. Creativity was an important part of Will’s life. The Players’ Ring in Portsmouth was his primary home in the theater community, but his involvement extended to theaters throughout Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. He enjoyed acting, writing, directing, and being part of the theater community as a whole. Among his most memorable roles was Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol at the Players’ Ring, a role he returned to year after year and truly made his own. His portrayal left a lasting impression, and to this day, those who saw him perform that role still fondly recall his Scrooge. Will had many interests. He enjoyed reading, bike riding, tennis, and spending time at the beach with his family. Cribbage held a particularly special place in his life and was much more than a game; it was a cherished family tradition shared across generations, and the source of countless memories together. In recent years, he continued that tradition through weekly games with a dear friend and neighbor, as well as with his grandson and namesake. Will also took great joy in watching his grandchildren pursue the things they loved, attending their sporting events, theater productions, dance recitals, and other activities whenever he could. He loved to cook and often showed his love for his family through the meals he prepared for them. He appreciated the eclectic and colorful culinary scene of the Seacoast, and took particular pleasure in introducing family and friends to new experiences. A lifelong lover of entertainment, Will enjoyed movies and television and had a deep appreciation for acting, both from his years in theater and from the spectator’s side. Will’s spiritual faith was an important part of his life. He was a member of Faith Christian Center and Candia Congregational Church. His commitment to his faith and Bible study continued throughout his final days. Throughout his life, he formed lasting relationships with many friends, family members, and coworkers, as well as those he came to know through theater and his community at Surfside 30. Those who knew Will knew he was a man of many sides. He had a strong presence and a larger-than-life personality, but those closest to him also knew his loving side and his goofy, silly sense of humor. Whatever he took on, he gave it 120 percent. A natural salesman and storyteller, Will had a way of leaving an impression on the people he met, and will be remembered by the many friends and family members whose lives he touched. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Chantel Klardie and her husband Shane of New Boston, Weldon L. “Lee” MacDonald III and his wife Cara of Hampton, and Angelina Novotny and her husband Jeff of Silver Lake; his grandchildren, Chase, Liam (Weldon IV), Eva, Kinley, Avery, and Levi; and his sisters, Sandy Graichen and her husband Frank, Pat Harte and her husband Buzz, and Debbie Bresnahan and her husband Andy. Will often reminded his family of his unconditional love for them with a phrase that became uniquely his. Today, they return those words to him one more time: “We love you, and you can’t stop us.” Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at Remick & Gendron Funeral Home-Crematory, 811 Lafayette Road, Hampton. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages those wishing to honor Will’s memory to make a donation in his name, to a charity or cause that is meaningful to them. Those who do so are invited to share their choice with the family.

Weldon Lee MacDonald Jr.

August 5, 1959 - September 4, 2026