The Mack name is steeped in local history, from the farm and orchard property that continues to bear the name, to memories of community involvement and support for town events.

The farm’s history dates back generations.

In 1732, John Mack arrived from Londonderry, Ireland, and settled in the area known then as Nutfield. He began growing potatoes, raising cattle and eventually the apples that would become the farm’s most popular staple in the years ahead.

The Mack family farm and historic orchards were sold several years ago, but it remains an active and bustling business.

Andy Mack was heavily involved in civic organizations and efforts, as well as being remembered as a generous supporter of keeping land open and out of potential bigger development prospects.

Many paid tribute on the Mack’s Apples Facebook page, saying Mack should be honored for this longtime commitment to Londonderry.

“A pioneer in agriculture, a steward to the land,” a post read. “A man who did so much for the community and his home town. We will forever be grateful.“

Mack contributed much to his community, including selling development rights to the town in the 1990s to help preserve land and also making land available for the current Moose Hill School and Orchard Christian Fellowship on Pillsbury Road.

In 2017, the town unveiled a plaque in the Kent Allen Forest near the Town Common to honor the Mack family for its community support and land stewardship.

Linda Green, president of the Londonderry Historical Society, said the nonprofit wouldn’t be operating the way it is in town without the support of Andy Mack.

“He donated two acres of valuable land to the Historical Society in the early 1990s so the Society could locate the Morrison House Museum,” Green said. “He has always been an amazing philanthropist.”

Strong opinions

For decades Mack was also well-known in the community for his strong views about the world, the environment and other issues he often shared through his handmade, familiar, colorful signs that would be posted along roadways and in the fields.

Whether it was support for a world issue or just a message to promote a local event, Mack put his views on display in plywood and bold-lettered paint on the Londonderry landscape.

Some said it was always his mission to care about his community and its residents.

Katie Sullivan still lives in her hometown, serving as an assistant principal at Londonderry High School.

She said Mack always had something to say, often stopping by to chat or to bring her information or documents about a certain bit of Londonderry history.

And while growing up, Sullivan said Mack was someone she and her family admired. As she got older she knew he was someone who cared deeply about his town.

Sullivan said that gave her a foundation for why she continues to give back to her hometown.

“And so many of his family members still give back to the community,” she said. “What he did trickled down to his whole family.”

Longtime Mack’s farm staffer Chris Dresser remembered a sign Mack would post that said, “No farms, no food,” and said he always valued what his farm could do to promote locally grown food for the community and region.

“He did love the farm,” she said. “He was dedicated to the farm to the end.”

Sullivan said Mack inspired many through the generations, and she was one of them.

“And as a kid growing up in this town, certain people will be embedded in your life,” she said. “Andy Mack was one of those people.”

ldnews@unionleader.com