William J. McLean, Sr

William J. McLean, Sr, 77 of Simeon Road, Bethel, husband of Veronica Mary (Capponi) McLean, died unexpectedly on July 16 at Danbury Hospital.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, William J. McLean, Jr, and his wife Judith of Newtown and James F. McLean of Bethel; a daughter, Ann Margaret Cleary and her husband Paul John of Bethel; a brother, Francis McLean of Fort Meyers, Fla.; a sister, Barbara Simon and her husband Norbert of Sandy Hook; grandchildren, Kelly McLean, Shaun McLean, Mindy Cleary, Tara Cleary, and John-Paul Cleary; a great-grandson, Mason Colon; a brother-in-law, Frank Capponi; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Doris Capponi.

He was born in Mexico, Maine on April 7, 1927, son of the late Joseph and Annie (Worthley) McLean.

He enlisted in the US Navy at the age of 17 and served in World War II and the Korean War aboard the USS Springfield and the USS Fall River. While serving in the Navy he was a boxer and was undefeated in his class.

In 1949 he married Veronica and they lived in Mexico, Maine, until they moved to Rockwell Road in Bethel in 1962. Prior to his retirement, he worked as a stonemason for 45 years. He also was an avid Red Sox fan and an avid hunter and was known as one of the best hunters to come out of Maine.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St Mary Church, Bethel, on July 20. Burial followed in Resurrection Cemetery, Newtown.

The Green Funeral Home, 57 Main Street, Danbury, was in charge of arrangements.

The Newtown Bee        July 23, 2004