James E. “Buff” MacAuley, 65, of Methuen, MA and formerly of Somerville, MA, passed away peacefully at Mass General Hospital in Boston, MA, surrounded by his loving family and friends. He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 42 years, Donna J. (Dill) MacAuley.

Born in Martinez, CA, James was the son of the late Patricia (Caskin) MacAuley. He was raised and educated in Somerville, MA, and graduated from Somerville High School, class of 1974. It was not long after, that he began working in the food industry and soon found his passion in cooking. He quickly captured the attention of those around him and began a lifelong career as a chef.

It was on a beautiful sunny August day in 1979 that James and Donna had their first date at Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester, MA. They concluded their amazing day with dinner at Hilltop Steakhouse. In 1986, Buff’s life was made complete when he took Donna’s hand in marriage at the Stephen James House in Cambridge, MA and… they lived happily ever after.

Outgoing and social by nature, Buff loved to entertain family and friends with his backyard BBQs, major sporting event parties, and his favorite holiday, Thanksgiving, for a day filled of delicious food, fun and laughter.

In addition to his wife, Donna and his beloved fur babies, Coconut and Humphrey, Buff leaves his siblings, Kristin Ross and her husband Thomas, Patricia Haydon and her husband Galen, Charles MacAuley and his partner Glenn Eastman, and Lawrence MacAuley; his wonderful and caring in-laws: Margie and Kenny Wright, Anita (Sal), Bobby (Rose), Bill and Jack (Jody). He also leaves behind his cruising and vacation buddies, Patti and Joe DeFilippi; and his long-time mentor and sponsor, Bobby Hurley; along with numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and grand-fur babies whom he loved very much.

Buff was predeceased by his sister, Pamela; brother, William MacAuley; uncle, Lawrence Caskin; his mother and father-in-law, Lucy and Ed Dill; nephews, Donny, Erick and Eddie; and his beloved fur babies, Tai, Mozes, Harry, and Eddie.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to M.S.P.C.A., Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visitation on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, from 4:00–7:00 PM at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley Street, Methuen. A funeral service will be celebrated at 11:30 AM on Wednesday, June 2, 2021, in the funeral home chapel.

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