Former UPEI Basketball Player Jerry MacDonald, 71, Passes Away Leaving His Family!!!

Charlottetown quickly became home, and it was here that his younger sister Janet MacDonald (Tom) was born.

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Jerry MacDonald, who played basketball at UPEI, has sadly passed away at the age of 71.

He was born in Longuelli, Quebec, to his father, Jerome, and his mother, Mary Lou MacDonald.

When he was six years old, he made the journey to Chalottetown with his parents and younger sister Jo-Ann Esseghaier (Zain).

Charlottetown quickly became home, and it was here that his younger sister Janet MacDonald (Tom) was born.

In the past several months, Jo-Ann and Janet have spent precious time with their brother, sharing stories and remembering the good times they had together.

He played basketball at UPEI and kept right on playing after university with the Smugglers Jug team.

When his playing days finally wound down, his love for the game never did; it stayed with him for life.

Community Is Mourning The Tragic Passing Of Jerry MacDonald

The sources claimed that Jerry MacDonald, who played basketball at UPEI, passed away on March 31, 2026, at the QEH.

However, the exact cause of death has not been revealed yet.

His daughter, Kate, took to his official Facebook handle to announce the tragic news. She wrote,

Dad — the strongest, smartest, and most dependable man I’ve ever known, and the privilege of calling him my dad is something I will never take for granted.
To me, Dad knew everything. Tyler always says I don’t believe anything until I ask my dad, and it’s true. He was the one we all went to with our questions. About sports, jobs, life… and especially how on earth to raise kids. I asked him everything. He’d always smile at me and say, “you just love them,” and then somehow follow it up with the best advice.

Jerry MacDonald

Maha Abou Rashed from Charlottetown took to the comment section and offered heartfelt condolences.

I am so sorry for your loss, to you and your family my deepest condolences

Maha Abou Rashed

Charmaine Judson wrote,

Kate, my deepest sympathies to you and your family. May all of your wonderful memories help you all move forward at this difficult time

Charmaine Judson

Kim MacDonald of Stratford, Prince Edward Island, wrote,

You’ve described, what sounds like, one incredible man Kate. Hold on to all those special memories. They will carry you through the hard times. Love you girl

Kim MacDonald

Other close ones and friends have also offered their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Jerry’s family to stay strong in this difficult time.

As per Jerry’s family, arrangements have been entrusted to Belvedere Funeral Home. Interment will take place in a private ceremony.

A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at a later date.

Adrian Cole
Adrian Cole
Independent news writer reporting on emerging stories, public interest events, and trending headlines with a focus on clarity, speed, and accuracy.

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