John Francis MacNair, a Eucharistic Minister, veteran and gifted painter died November 20, 2004. A 40-year resident of Babylon, he came to love the community he served in many ways.

Born in Brooklyn, Mr. MacNair married his wife Mary in 1954 and celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary before she died in April, 2001. The couple raised six children on Marlborough Road in Babylon, though the children have moved away, they still consider Babylon their home.

"Babylon is where we came home to celebrate Christmas," said his son  Timothy. "It was important to my dad that we were always together."

After serving in the U.S. Army, Mr. MacNair became an electrical engineer and worked at EBASCO in the World Trade Center for about 20 years. Before that he was an engineer for TWA, "Which was great because it enabled us to travel all over the world," Timothy recalled.

After his retirement Mr. MacNair volunteered at the Virdone Residence in Babylon, a facility for individuals with down syndrome. He also became a Eucharistic Minister at St. Joseph’s R.C. Catholic Church, where he was very active.

In addition to travel, Mr. MacNair enjoyed painting and became known for his landscapes which focused on Long Island’s beautiful beaches, and often gifted his children with his art works which provided warm memories of home, said his son. He also tended a peaceful, lush wildflower garden in his backyard and also played golf twice a week.

Mr. MacNair leaves behind his children: daughter Diane Link and her husband Frank of New Hampshire; son Douglas of North Carolina, son Christopher and his wife Jocelyn of Miami, Florida; son Timothy and his wife Karen of St. Louis; son David and his wife Anita of Rockville Centre and son John and his wife Nadine of North Carolina. Twelve grandchildren and a sister, Dorothy Kelly, of California also survive him.

He reposed at Frederick J. Chapey & Sons West Islip Funeral Home, 1225 Montauk Highway. A celebration of the Liturgy of Christian Burial was said at St. Joseph’s R.C. Church, Babylon. Mr. MacNair was interred at St. Joseph’s Cemetery November 24, 2004. Donations in Mr. MacNair’s name can be made to The Virdone Residence, 27 North Carll Ave., Babylon, NY 11702.