Don Macdonald, age 67, of Villa Park, Illinois passed away on June 02, 2025 after a decades-long battle with serious health issues. He is survived by his best friend and constant companion, BJ Gregory; his brothers Todd (Amy) Macdonald and Robert Macdonald; nieces Jennifer (Mike) Nesbit, Cyndi Cassata, Amanda (Aaron) Koontz, Mackenzie Macdonald; and nephews Jesse (Laura) Russell, Rick (Regina) Macdonald, and Jake (Leslie) Errington. He is preceded in death by his parents Richard and Nancy (nee Hogan) Macdonald; brothers Scott and Richard Macdonald; and his favorite sister Laura Macdonald.
Don was born Sept 7th, 1957, the third of six children in a rapidly-expanding family. When Don was two years old, the family moved to a small ranch house in Elmhurst, IL. For over sixty years the house on Victory Parkway was home to three generations of Macdonalds and close family friends in transition. Don’s modest home was filled with noise, activity, laughter, love, and concern. Everyone was always welcome; Nancy fed them, and Dick roped them into games of pinochle. Everyone was always included; love and friendship were given freely. This was the bedrock upon which Don’s generous heart was built.
After high school, eager to get out and make his way in the world, Don responded to a newspaper ad offering dance teacher training at Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Downers Grove IL. Amid the grueling and body-punishing schedule of training and practice, Don’s love of people, music, movement, and fun merged together to define his future.
Don was a lifelong dance professional. He spent the entire decade of the 1980s teaching Ballroom dancing, competing with his students, choreographing showcase routines, dancing in the clubs for fun, and hobnobbing with the stars in Southern California. He returned to Illinois in 1990, where he re-entered the dance community and became a beloved teacher, coach, and choreographer in the Country and Western dance community. The relaxed and friendly atmosphere of Country dancing was a perfect fit for Don.
For the last few years, when dancing was no longer possible, Don spent his time tending to his plants, catching up with family and friends, fishing, and blazing new trails on his e-bike.
Memorial Gathering Thursday, July 10th, from 2:00 PM until time of service at 7:00 PM, at Steuerle Chapel, 15 W Park Blvd, Villa Park, Illinois. Interment private.
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In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Don’s spirit with an intentional act of kindness. The simplest interaction or the smallest effort can have a profound effect. Say something nice about someone behind their back. Acknowledge the effort, regardless of the result. Encourage someone who’s down. Smile at a stranger. Make a baby laugh. Look up from your phone, and take note of the world and people around you. Notice someone’s struggle, and offer your help. Thank someone using their name. Invite someone who’s alone to sit at your table. Ask someone to dance.
In memory of Don Macdonald 