Scott Macomber of Newton, MA, passed away on Wednesday, November 12, at age 66, with his son Nathan and his brother Chris by his side, of cardiac arrest after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Scott is survived by his mother, Marie; his son, Nathan, and Nathan’s mother, Sue Dorfman; his brothers Lee (and his wife Karol), Todd (and his wife Michelle), and Chris (and his wife Debra); and his nieces and nephews Maya, Nicholas, Carlin, Ayla, Ryan, Kristian, Noe, and David. He was predeceased by his father, Stuart.
A lover of the outdoors, especially in his younger years, Scott found purpose and community during his eight years working for the Appalachian Mountain Club. He held a variety of roles, beginning at Pinkham Notch as a Winter Deskie and later serving as Trucker, Storehouse Crew and Manager, and Hut Caretaker at Carter and Zealand huts in the early 1980s. As an AMC alumnus, he was a proud member of the Old Hutcroo Association. His passion for hiking and exploration took him around the world, including journeys to Nepal, Chile, and Argentina, where he immersed himself in local cultures and explored mountains and countryside with close friends.
Scott was an alumnus of UMass Amherst, Antioch College, and Boston University, where he earned his master’s degree in Geology. After starting as a graduate student and Research Assistant in BU’s Department of Earth and Environment, Center for Remote Sensing, he developed deep expertise in Unix/Linux systems, networking, and information technology. In 1997, Scott transitioned to the Information Services and Technology Department as a Systems Administrator, where he became a highly respected colleague known for his technical knowledge, reliability, and unwavering dedication to supporting BU faculty, staff, and students. Scott shared his expertise freely and enthusiastically, embodying the spirit of a true teacher who loved helping others.
Scott’s talents extended far beyond his professional life. He was a trained EMT who offered invaluable medical insight to friends and family. He was also a gifted handyman, skilled in carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, painting, and more. Whether fixing something or teaching someone how to do it themselves, Scott enjoyed lending his time, energy, and know-how.
Most recently, Scott fulfilled a longtime dream of visiting Glacier National Park in Montana, a bucket-list item and an adventure made all the more special because he shared it with his son Nathan.
We will miss Scott’s stories, his boundless generosity, his love for his family and friends, and his steady, thoughtful guidance in every corner of our lives.
Calling hours in the Magni Funeral Home, 365 Watertown St, Newton on the Friday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 28, from 10am to 12 Noon, followed by a Celebration of Life with testimonials from friends and family. Burial will be private.