Robert Francis MacLean

Gorham- Robert F. MacLean, 78, of Ichabod Lane died peacefully at his home on Monday, June 12, 2023 with his loving family by his side. Bob was born in Portland, Maine on June 10, 1945 the son of the late Walter D. and Arline R. (Robbins) MacLean. He attended local schools and graduated from South Portland High School in the class of 1965. Shortly after graduating, Bob enlisted and served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era. On August 10, 1968 Bob married his high school sweet heart, Charlotte Gail Conner (Bobby's Girl) at St. John's Catholic Church in South Portland. Bob's working career included work as a diesel mechanic for WJ Connell, Hubb's Engine, and Power Products, for thirteen years. He worked as the owner and operator of the MATCO distributors, and five years as the owner and operator of Chappies Restaurant in Portland. The last 12 years of his career he worked at Fairchild's, retiring in 2010. In his spare time, Bob loved roller skating and skated from the age of a toddler until the closing of Happy Wheels in Portland in 2019; as well as fishing, playing guitar, Nascar, and fixing things. He was a skilled builder and could fix or build anything, when he was done you knew it had been done right. He was always willing to help family and friends at a moment's notice. He enjoyed many trips and cruises with his wife and family. Bob had a great sense of humor and cherished the time he was surrounded by his family and friends, especially his lifelong best friend, Fred Shaw. Bob was a member of the Thornton Heights United Methodist Church, Westbrook American Legion Post# 192, Knights of Pythias in Scarborough, and a member of the USS Topeka Association. Bob was predeceased by four sisters, Joanne Fuleky, Roberta Place, Eleanor Geraci and Marilyn Brown; and two brothers, John and Walter MacLean. Bob is survived by his loving wife of more than 54 years, Charlotte Gail MacLean of Gorham; daughter, Bonnie Jean (MacLean) Welch and fiancé Timothy Gaston; a son, William Michael MacLean of Gorham; a brother, Ronald and his wife Michelle MacLean of MA; three grandchildren, Shawn Robert Welch, Kevin Paul Michael MacLean and Charlotte Jay MacLean; one great grandson, Alexander William MacLean. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation for the loving care provided by Beacon Hospice staff, and Home Care Helpers, Barb and Lynn. Visiting hours celebrating Bob's life will be held on Friday, June 23, 2023 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A funeral service will be held at 10am on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at the Thornton Heights United Methodist Church, 100 Westbrook Street, South Portland. Burial will follow in Forest City Cemetery, Lincoln Street, South Portland. Following the funeral services, guests are invited to share memories and comradery at the Stockhouse Restaurant, 506 Main Street, Westbrook. Those who wish may make memorial contributions in Bob’s memory to: Thornton Heights United Methodist Church, 100 Westbrook Street, South Portland, ME 04106; Beacon Hospice, 52 Atlantic PL, Suite B-50, South Portland, ME 04106; K9s on the Frontline Maine, PO Box 8823, Portland, ME 04103