Leslie Albert McNelly

BAILEY ISLAND – Leslie Albert McNelly died at the age of 84 surrounded by family in his home on Bailey Island in Harpswell, Maine on Nov. 12, 2024, after a battle with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. He was born in Smyrna, Maine on Sept. 5, 1940, to Harold Edgar and Mabel Anne McNelly (nee: Lilley). Les grew up in Dyer Brook, Maine with his brothers Edwin Lyle and Glenn Eugene.

Les was known and well liked in many circles. He is remembered for his generosity, conversation, and love of family, home, the outdoors and a simple life.

Les graduated from Oakfield High School in 1958 and was the first in his family to graduate from college. In 1963 at Maine Vocational Technical Institute, he obtained a degree in Electrical Engineering. The same year, Les was married to Donna Vee Holland, his wife of 61 years.

His first career was with a little calculator company called IBM. This was followed by 14 years with L.L.Bean as a Senior Systems and Programing engineer. He also worked with his wife Donna at Sea Escape Cottages, their family summer rental business on Bailey Island, which they established in 1985. Together they made a home where they could share the beauty of the Maine coast and its classic traditions.

In 1996 Les retired from the corporate world. He earned his USCG license and hosted sport fishing charters as a Maine Guide along with his work at the Cottages. He spent winters at his hunting camp in Dyer Brook as a woodsman- snowmobiling, hunting, spending time with friends and family, and being one of Southern Aroostook Basketball’s biggest fans.

Les was proud to help support and be part of several organizations over his lifetime: Casco Bay Tuna Club where he acted on the board and as President for many years, The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation where he was a life member and worked on the committee, the Smoki Haulers Snowmobile Club where he tended trails and hosted events, and the Orrs Bailey Yacht Club which gave him access to the ocean that he respected and loved.

Les is survived by his wife Donna, his brother Glenn E. McNelly; his children Tamlyn Lee McNelly and Bethany Susan McNelly-Davis; his grandchildren; and so many more family and friends whom he loved. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Edwin.

A celebration of Les’s life will be held July 10, 2025. at Cook’s Lobster and Ale House, on Bailey Island, Maine from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m., followed by a Sunset Celebration from both land and sea at 23 Sea Escape Lane and Merriconeag Sound in Harpswell. A memorial service for Les in Dyer Brook will be scheduled for a later date.

In memory of Les, the family asks that donations be given to:

Southern Aroostook

Community School

Scholarship Program

922 Dyer Brook Road

Dyer Brook, ME 04747

or one of the other organizations he supported