Stephen F. McDonald, 64, of Barrington, died peacefully on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019. He was the loving husband of Melissa A. McDonald.

Born in Madison, Wisconsin, a son of the late historian Forrest McDonald and Blanche Joyce Read, Steve lived in Barrington for nearly 60 years.

Those who know him were witness to his hilarious wit, sweet nature, and his boundless love for his wife, siblings, and their children. Although he had no direct heirs, his nephews and nieces felt like he was a second father to them—the uncle who makes you laugh, makes you think, and teaches you life’s most important lessons—and then makes you laugh again.

He was a responsible, loving soul, who always tried to make the best of whatever was placed in front of him. He loved sailing, the New England Patriots, the University of Alabama football team, and old television shows such as “The Twilight Zone” and “Perry Mason.” He had a 30-year history of breeding and showing English setters, and in 2007 won an American Kennel Club championship with their dog Seven.

In his 50s he made a career shift to follow his love of cooking. After attaining his certification as a chef, he began cooking at Roger Williams University. He worked there until illness forced an early end to this joyful and gratifying phase of his career.

He was musically gifted, and as a former member of the Barrington Boys Choir, performed throughout Europe in 1962. As an adult he played guitar, sang, and wrote his own songs in several bands. His last performance was with his brother Forrest McDonald at Chan’s in Woonsocket, where he knocked it out of the park with his rendition of the blues song, “Rocks in My Pillow.”

He is survived by his wife, siblings—Kathy, Forrest Howard, Marcy, and Kevin; stepmother Ellen McDonald, and his beloved nieces and nephews. His family will hold a private memorial service in the spring to celebrate the joy he brought into their lives.