John Roy McLean

john mclean
Portland-John Roy McLean Jr was freed from his 5 year struggle with Parkinson’s Disease Dementia on May 14, 2023. He was 73 years old. Born in Augusta ME on August 29, 1949 to John R McLean Sr. and Mildred M (Green) McLean. John joined the Army after High School and attained the job of Special Purchase Equipment Repair Parts Specialist, a title that always made him laugh. During his first tour in Viet Nam, his younger brother was drafted and John volunteered for his second tour in order to keep his brother away from the battle ground. After an Honorable discharge he moved to Portland ME, earned an Associate Degree from UNE on the GI bill, married his first wife Gail and proudly welcomed his only child Brian into the world. A child at heart himself, he was the fun parent, coaching Brian’s Little League, going to movies, pizza and ice cream, bike riding and everything else boys do. But he also instilled in his son the importance of education and encouraged Brian to be all that he could be. He was extremely proud of his son and the man he has become. He was thrilled at the arrival of his grandson, Charles John, and that he was named after him. In 1995, after 8 years divorced, John met his perfect partner and soul mate, Michelle L Beaudoin. They married at 1:23 pm on 04/05/2006 a date they picked to remember their anniversary. They shared a deep love and complimented each other in every way. John was employed by the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier for 42 years. For many of those years he had a walking route in the Old Port where he made a friend of every customer. He was also friends with everyone he worked with. John loved people and people loved him and his infectious good humor. After retiring from the Post Office in 2012, John took up golf full time. He could be found at Riverside Golf Course every day of the season playing with the early morning group, the Dew Sweepers. He loved golfing and especially how lucky he was in the draw. Didn’t matter what his score was, he usually ended up winning. He played a good game of pool and performed an animated version of ‘Wild Thing’ during karaoke nights at the VFW Post 6859. He loved to make others laugh. The PDD diagnosis was heartbreaking news that John faced with courage and tenacity. Exercising to slow the progression he walked daily, went to Rock Steady Boxing twice a week and swam when he could. He maintained a level of activity until the end which came quickly and far too soon. John was predeceased by his parents; brother, Ralph: a sister, Helen. He is survived by and will be deeply missed by his adoring wife, Michelle McLean of Portland; brother, David and his wife, Natalie McLean of Edge Water FL; a son, Brian and his wife, Stacie McLean and their son, Charlie of Andover MA; many nieces and nephews. Visiting hours celebrating John’s life will be held at Conroy Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland on Tuesday May 23, 2023 from 4-6pm. A graveside service with Military Honors will be held on Wednesday May 24, 2023 at Brooklawn Memorial Park in Portland at 11am. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Elks Lodge 188, Congress Street, Portland from 12-2pm. To view John’s memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com
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  1. I have many memories of John and they all make me smile. I remember him sky diving and breaking ankle but he had no sick leave so hobbled into work and fell in men’s room. So it was work related. He always arrived early to parties so told him start time was an hour later and he arrived on time! He was a great friend to my husband Dick Nelson and will be remembered always. He is in a great place with no more pain!

  2. Working next to Michelle I heard such loving stories of their life together…his golfing adventures, grandson. I was so touched by the love & happiness they shared. Sending my Love to Michelle & John’s beloved family.

  3. John, or Red as he was often called years ago, was a fun and entertaining guy growing up in the 60s. We shared a Memere and would see each other at family gatherings. It always seemed to be a sunny day when we’d get together at Memere’s. Rest in peace, Red.

  4. The Rock Steady crew inspire one another, and John put up a good fight with Parkinson’s! He was a very good-natured guy and our thoughts go out to Michelle.

    John “Texas” plus Jeff & Bo.

  5. You’ll be missed Uncle Red. I have a lot of great memories of you growing up. Especially watching you rough house with David many times at our house. You were one of the reasons I became a mailman. I thank you for all of your support before I took the job and while I was working. You were such a wonderful husband to Michelle. You two were such a beautiful couple.

  6. I loved you so much and am so very sorry that I didn’t see you for a long time. I remember a lot of things that we did together. Brian, Debbie and I would go to the movies with Uncle Red and then get ice cream and go back to the house and play a game or two. You were a very important part of my life and I am a better person because of it! Thank you very much!

  7. By being kind to everyone and making friends easily. People enjoyed seeing him! He brought many smiles to people’s faces.

  8. That he used to bring packages to people through the post office that didn’t get delivered before Christmas Day. He always worked on Christmas Day.

  9. Uncle Red owned a purple Dodge Charger in the 70’s. Purple is my favorite color so he couldn’t wait for me to see it!

  10. Uncle Red was always one of my favorite people. He was an amazing person. I will miss him. (I haven’t seen him for a long time though and I’m sorry for that)

  11. I remember when he came home from Viet Nam he brought home Shagella. I gave it to my whole Kindergarten class. He lived in an apartment in the basement of our house on Crescent Street in Portland. He was friends with my Dad and Auntie Gail was best friends with my mom.


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