Francis A. "Sonny" Mackenzie

Francis A. "Sonny" Mackenzie, age 80, of Walpole, MA passed away on October 03, 2023 at Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton, Massachusetts. Born at the Boston City Hospital on March 1, 1943, he was the son of the late Francis and Mary F. Mackenzie. Frank was raised in the Mission Hill neighborhood of Boston and graduated from Mission Hill High School with the class of 1961. Shortly after graduation, Frank enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served six months on active duty before returning home to the reserves. 

Upon returning home, Frank went to work for the New England Telephone Company in Brighton. After some time with the telephone company, Frank went to work for the Animal Patrol division of Public Safety in Newton. Frank later enrolled in the Police Academy where he trained to become a police officer. Upon graduation from the Academy, Frank took a position with the Newton Police Department. Frank truly found his calling with law enforcement. Over the course of his career, he would rise through the ranks and serve sixteen years as a police Lieutenant. He spent another twenty two supervising; managing Sergeants, patrolmen and other vital members of the police department. Frank also oversaw the combined fire and police dispatch center, ensuring that emergencies in Newton were met efficiently, professionally, and with care. During his time with the police department he continued his training and education and was always ready to meet the needs of the community.

Frank loved spending summer days at Rexhame beach in Marshfield, where his family would spend beach days together. Whether it was helping his children build sand castles or playing cribbage with his siblings, Frank enjoyed every sunny day to its potential in Rexhame. 

Frank also loved to fish, especially at Sunset Lake in Braintree and in the ponds around Weymouth. He was an avid reader his whole life and was a frequent visitor to the local library.  

On Saint Patrick’s Day in 1986, Frank met Anet Anderson. Frank and Anet would make their home together in Weymouth and were married in an intimate ceremony on April 10, 1988 in Marshfield.
In 2001, Frank and Anet moved their family to the lovely town of Walpole. Shortly thereafter, in 2002, Frank polished his shield one last time and retired after four decades with the Newton Police. Retirement meant more time to enjoy fishing and being outdoors. Frank played the greens with friends often at Heather Hill Country Club, where he was a member. He also enjoyed nights out as a member of the Fraternal and Benevolent Order of the Elks in their Newton Lodge. Retirement also meant more time for family and friends. Frank loved to spend time with his brother, Joe, and his long term friend, Billy Dargan, and most recently, his youngest grandson, Finn. 

Frank was a hard worker and although he had fun with different activities, he missed working and as such took on a number of small part time jobs during retirement to keep himself busy. Frank drove a bus for Special Education students, getting them safely from home to school each day. He also worked as a Dressman for James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, helping to honor those who had passed from his community. Most recently, Frank enjoyed chatting with the members of National Fitness in Foxboro, where he worked at the front desk. 

Beloved husband of Anet Mackenzie.
Loving father of Laura Cappabianca of Myrtle Beach, SC, Lisa Hayes of Cumberland, RI, Lynn Sudduth of Norton, Chris Mackenzie of Walpole, Caley Mackenzie of Biddeford, ME, Andrew Mackenzie of Albuquerque, and the late David F. Mackenzie.
Brother of Joseph Mackenzie of Wells, ME, Helen "Dolly" Wlodyka of Scituate, the late Paul Mackenzie, and the late Carol Niland.
Grandfather of Matthew, Michael M., Michael H., Kevin, Christopher, Sean, Emma, Jack, Ryan, Mack, Adam, Noah and Finn. 
Survived by many nieces, nephews, friends and relatives.

At the request of Frank's family, funeral services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Francis's name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.