Sean Christopher MacDonnell

Sean Christopher MacDonnell, 69, of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away on Monday, October 6, 2025.

Sean MacDonnell was born on June 17, 1956, in Boston, Massachusetts, the second child to Thomas and Dorothy MacDonnell. He came into the world larger than life, a theme he kept going his whole life. He grew up as an Army child traveling around the US and world with his family, which grew to include a total of 5 other siblings. Always an active kid, he participated in competitive swimming and enjoyed other activities, especially ice skating. After finishing at Hayfield High School, Sean went on to Shepard College in West Virginia. He majored in Special Education and went on to work at the Northern Virginia Training Center. Also, while at Shepard, Sean met his future wife, Leslie Koch, while trying to steal her car with his frat brothers. Despite the grand theft auto, the two were married in October 1981 in New Jersey.

After their nuptials, the couple moved to Miami, Florida, where Sean began working in the marine industry. While there, he fell in love with a new hobby of scuba diving. After 4 years in Miami, Sean and Leslie moved to Charleston, South Carolina, which would be their forever home. In June of 1986, Sean got the best early Father’s Day/ birthday gift in the form of his only child, Jordan.

At first, Sean continued his career in the marine field, working at Darby Marin, where he made life-long friends. However, he made a change and taught himself the craft of specialty roofing. He went on to work on several historic locations, including the Nathaniel Russell House and the Abbeville Opera House, as well as countless other locations throughout South Carolina, Georgia, and Kentucky (where he almost lost a thumb).

Although large in stature, Sean hated being the center of attention. He did, however, love spending time with family and friends. He went on to unofficially adopt two extra daughters, Anna Middleton and Jennifer Butler, as well as gaining a son in Jason Nelson. All who knew him admired him and his constant willingness to help anyone who needed it. He would give you the shirt off his back, even if it was 3 sizes too big and had a sarcastic saying. The only thing larger than his stature was his heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Col. Thomas and Dorothy MacDonnell. He is survived by his wife, Leslie; his daughters: Jordan, Anna and Jenni; his son, Nelson; his 5 siblings and their spouses; numerous in-laws; and a copious number of nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, all of whom he loved deeply.

Per Sean’s request, in lieu of a service, gifts or flowers, contributions to Breakthrough T1D in his honor would be appreciated. This was a charity close to his heart to make a better future for his grandniece.

Although he is no longer seen, he will always be felt.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalsiter-smith.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414, (843) 722-8371.