Headstone of Harold Francis MacGilvray

Harold Francis MacGilvray

2018

Harold Francis MacGilvray Jr..

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Blunt force trauma
Mechanism Motor vehicle

Vehicular assault

What Happened
Officer Harold MacGilvary succumbed to complications of injuries sustained on November 13th, 1978, when he was struck by a vehicle while making a traffic stop.

He and his partner had stopped a vehicle for speeding on the Southeast Expressway near Neponset Circle in Dorchester. Officer MacGilvary was standing at the driver's window when he was struck by a car that drifted onto the shoulder. Officer MacGilvary was thrown 100 feet and suffered life-threatening injuries. He was transported to a local hospital where he underwent 13 hours of surgery before his condition stabilized.

The driver who struck him fled the scene but was arrested several days later and charged with driving while intoxicated, operating to endanger, driving on a suspended license, and leaving the scene of an accident.

Officer MacGilvary was a United States Army Vietnam War veteran who had served with the Metropolitan Department for 20 years and had previously served with the Medford Police Department for four years. He is survived by his wife, daughter, three sons, and ten grandchildren. Two of his sons also served with the Metropolitan Police Department.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, daughter, three sons, and ten grandchildren.
Keepsakes
Harold Francis MacGilvray
Harold Francis MacGilvray
Service Record
Also Served
Metropolitan Police Department
Officer
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier neuraspine_01krbxtp2vz36q3qb0k51j759h
Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
Stewarded by neuraweb.nw
Last updated August 2, 2026

This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.

Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Harold. Claim this record.

Be the first to honor Harold.

Leave a Tribute