Paul McFarland

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Va. – Paul McFarland, 83, formerly of Portland, passed away on Oct. 24, 2025.

Paul was born on Oct. 22, 1942, in Portland, the son of the late Francis Henry McFarland Sr. and Margaret (Molloy) McFarland. He grew up in Portland’s Libbytown neighborhood and graduated from Portland High School with the class of 1960.

He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada. Shortly after completing his education, Paul enlisted in the United States Army, where he began a distinguished career in service to his country. Through dedication, discipline, and leadership, Paul rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel before his retirement.

Paul married the love of his life, Sara (Persons) McFarland, in Hillsdale, Mich. in 1975. He was deeply proud of his Maine roots, but his military career and life with Sara also brought him to many places, forming treasured friendships along the way. He and Sara returned to New England frequently for visits with his extended family, Thanksgiving Day high school football games, and Portland High School reunions as recently as September.

Paul had a passion for genealogy and spent countless hours researching and celebrating his family’s history. He made several trips to Ireland to further his research and to visit extended family. Paul enjoyed playing cribbage, closely followed sports throughout his life, and gave back to his community through many years of AARP volunteer work and serving on the Board of Governors for his alma mater, St. Francis Xavier University.

Paul was predeceased by his three brothers, Francis Jr., John, and Hugh McFarland.

He is survived by his wife, Sara McFarland of Virginia; his sisters Ruth Neary of Connecticut, Jean Small and her husband Peter of South Portland and Ruth Neary of Connecticut; and many beloved nieces, nephews; grandnieces and grandnephews. He was treasured by his nieces and nephews for his storytelling, garnering undivided attention and always leaving the listener wanting more.

Prayers will be recited at 9 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 14 at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 14 at Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Rd., South Portland. Burial with military honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. To view Paul’s memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit http://www.ConroyTullyWalker.com