Franklin Daniel MacKenzie

HALLOWELL – Franklin Daniel MacKenzie passed peacefully from this life on March 27, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Jamaica Plain, Mass. on Sept. 16, 1932, the second child of Philip M. MacKenzie and Annie L. (Campbell) MacKenzie. He was a Korean War veteran, serving the USAF stationed in Alaska.

Having earned a MS in Physics and BA in Physics, Frank spent most of his career as Division Chief at the Transportation Systems Center, Federal Department of Transportation in Cambridge Mass., where he designed radar- and satellite-assisted global navigation systems for sea and air. He also worked as part of a team to create the space navigation system for NASA’s fledgling Apollo project.

Frank met A. Isabel Stewart at the Scotch Presbyterian Church in Boston, Mass. They married in 1957 and raised three daughters in Needham, Mass., before moving to Hallowell in 2000 to be near their grandchildren.

Frank had many passions and interests. He sang in community choruses, created and solved masters-level Sudoku puzzles; he gained a deep appreciation for Chinese calligraphy, culture and tea, and engaged a daily routine of making Matcha. In the last four years Frank became an avid wood carver, and was well known for his carved comfort birds, which he distributed in person or through the mail to people who were experiencing life’s challenges. His family estimates he carved and distributed close to 100 comfort birds to anyone who asked. Most recently, Frank became curious about AI and its impact on global culture, communication, and politics. He read articles and books on the subject which came up often in discussions.

As a progressive Christian and child of the depression, Frank knew the value of kindness and generosity and lived his faith in practice throughout his life.

Franklin was predeceased by his wife, his parents, and brothers Hugh and P. Lawrence, and sister Jessie MacDonald and sisters- and brothers-in-law whom he loved.

He is survived by his daughters Susan (Michael Donihue), Laura, Jennifer (Melissa Cotter), grandson Colin Donihue (Claire Santoro) and great grandson Elliot; grandson Ross Donihue (Emily Farr). He also leaves behind a beloved sister, Joan MacLeod and cherished brother Warren MacKenzie (Isabel) and dear sisters-in-law, Beverly MacKillop and Cynthia (David Riley) and brother-in-law J. Allan MacDonald. He is survived by numerous treasured cousins, nephews, nieces and friends throughout the world. His memory is a blessing to us all.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Mid-Coast Presbyterian Church, 84 Main St. Topsham on Saturday, April 12 at 2 p.m., with a reception to follow. Those who cannot attend are welcome to join us via https://www.facebook.com/MCPCMaine/.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME 04330. Condolences, stories and photo may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be sent in his name to:

Mid-Coast Presbyterian Church

P.O. Box 211

Topsham, ME 04086