John Roy McLean Jr.

PORTLAND – John Roy McLean Jr. was freed from his five-year struggle with Parkinson’s Disease Dementia on May 14, 2023. He was 73 years old.

Born in Augusta on Aug. 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, 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 eight years divorced, John met his perfect partner and soul mate, Michelle L. Beaudoin. They married at 1:23 p.m. on April 5, 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, Fla.; a son, Brian and his wife, Stacie McLean and their son, Charlie of Andover, Mass.; 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, from 4 to 6 p.m. A graveside service with Military Honors will be held on Wednesday May 24, at Brooklawn Memorial Park in Portland at 11 a.m. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Elks Lodge 188, Congress St., Portland from 12 to 2 p.m. To view John’s memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit http://www.ConroyTullyWalker.com