John A. MacKinnon, a devoted family man and respected businessman, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at his residence. Born on August 27, 1934, in Grand Mira, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada, John’s life was marked by dedication both to his family and to his work.

John was born and raised in the close-knit community of Grand Mira, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. It was there that he met and married the love of his life, Geraldine (Shomph), in 1955. Their enduring marriage spanned seven decades—a testament to their deep bond and shared journey. Together, they built a life full of cherished memories and unwavering support. John and Geraldine took great pride in raising their family first in Tewksbury, MA before moving to Hudson, MA in the late 1970’s, creating a loving home filled with warmth and guidance.

Professionally, John was a diligent entrepreneur who owned and operated the MacKinnon Printing Company in Acton, MA for many years until his retirement in 1999, then selling the business to his son John who continues to operate the business today. His commitment to his business mirrored his dedication to his family—both were pillars of his life, characterized by hard work, integrity, and strong values.

John enjoyed fishing local lakes, rivers and streams, always looking for that prize trout. Camping trips were always something both he and the family enjoyed throughout the years. Trips back to Cape Breton to visit family and friends were also cherished. Later in life they bought a cottage on PEI, Canada were they would spend their summers. In his spare time John enjoyed woodworking at his home. Both John and Geraldine enjoyed dancing and would often head out to the Canadian American Club in Waltham who sponsored many dancing events in their younger days.

John was often referred to as a "Good Man" by friends and acquaintances. Both John and Geraldine held strong Catholic traditions and were very active as members of Saint Michael Parish in Hudson. Family was his passion and he devoted much of his time to his family, especially later with the grandchildren and great grandchildren attending many events in their lives including weddings, graduations, dance recitals and softball games. The memories they shared will be cherished forever.

John was also a big dog lover having owned many dogs and later in life loved visits from his grand dogs, Bella, Bentley, and Gunner

John is survived by his beloved wife Geraldine; his sons John MacKinnon and his wife Theresa of Hubbardston, MA and Kevin MacKinnon and his wife Rosanna of Royalston, MA; his daughters Cathy Watterson and her husband Tom of Sturbridge, MA, Karen Callahan, wife of the late Charlie Callahan of Hudson, MA, Maureen MacKinnon of Ormond Beach, Florida, and Janice M. (Crossman) MacKinnon, wife of the late Robert MacKinnon of Hudson, MA.

He cherished his grandchildren Christopher MacKinnon and partner Jill, Jennifer MacKinnon, Keri Andrade and her husband Eddie, Kristen Sheldon and her husband Geoff, Kevin Callahan and his wife Kerry, Ashley Watterson & partner Alex, Shannon Watterson & her husband Ben Jerome, Glenn MacKinnon and his wife Nicole, John Cameron MacKinnon, Alyssa Perez and her husband Caleb. John’s love extended to his great-grandchildren, Joshua MacKinnon, Aaron MacKinnon. Christopher MacKinnon, Maci Callahan, Sadie Callahan, Hailey Callahan, Charlie Callahan, Aurelia Andrade, Everett Andrade, Luna Andrade, Oliver Sheldon, Elsie Sheldon, and to his siblings, Gorden MacKinnon, husband of the late Phyllis MacKinnon, and Dannie MacKinnon, husband of the late Rose MacKinnon and sister in law Anita MacKinnon wife of the late Bennie MacKinnon—all from Nova Scotia, Canada. He was also surrounded by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

John was predeceased by his son Robert "Bob" MacKinnon; his father John J. MacKinnon; his mother Mary Jane (MacArthur) MacKinnon, and siblings, Alec MacKinnon and his wife Mary, Mickey MacKinnon and his wife Shirley, Roddie MacKinnon and his wife Tazuko, Art MacKinnon and his wife Fran, Kay (MacKinnon) Chiasson and her husband Phil, Agnes (MacKinnon) McKinnon and her husband Murdock, Janette MacKinnon and Bennie MacKinnon.

Visiting hours will be held from 4:00-7:00 PM on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home, 50 Central St., Hudson, MA. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at Saint Michael Parish, 21 Manning St., Hudson, MA. Burial services will be private.

John A. MacKinnon’s life was a remarkable journey of love, family, and dedication to his work and community. His legacy will endure in the hearts of those who knew him and loved him. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered as a man of integrity, kindness, and unwavering devotion to those closest to him.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John may be made to St Jude’s @ www.stjudes.org