Richard L. MacLean ’50

Richard MacLean, 95, of Forestdale, MA passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 22, 2025, after a brief illness. Born in Allston, MA, the oldest son of the late Horace and Eleanor (Lombard) MacLean of Allston.

Rich graduated from Maine Maritime Academy in 1950 and was an officer in the Merchant Marines before marrying his wife Jinny in 1957. He then embarked on a 44-year career as an Operations Manager and Consultant for American Airlines.

A deeply religious man and devout Catholic, he offered his time as a Church Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Sacristan and Parish Administrator at Saint Philip Neri Parish in Linthicum, MD where he resided for 40 years.

He loved reading, especially historic works, novels and biographies. He could be seen frequently strolling the neighborhood on long, early morning walks, rain or shine. He had a lifelong love of Harness Horse Racing. He was known as kind, generous and loving to all who knew him. More importantly, he leaves the legacy of a far-reaching extended family that he cared for and nurtured his entire life.

He was the loving husband of the late Virginia (Halligan) MacLean. Proud father of his devoted children Richard MacLean, Jr. and his wife Amy of Clarence, NY, Marybeth MacLean of Forestdale, MA, Jean Webster of Pineville, NC, Thomas MacLean and his wife Jennifer of Wellesley, MA, Julie Papapietro of Forestdale, MA, Brian MacLean and his wife Kay of Chattanooga, TN, and his late son in-laws Daniel Webster and Robert Papapietro. Loving grandfather “Papa” to 14 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Dear brother of Donald “Spike” MacLean and his late wife Frances, the late Eleanor Lingley and her late husband Ralph, Eileen MacLean, Jean “Peggy” Gallagher and her husband Bernie, Barbara McBride and her late husband Paul, the late John “Jackie” MacLean, Neil MacLean and his wife Linda, Patsy Gray and her late husband Jim, David MacLean, Karen Lovett and her husband Tom.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 31 at Chapman Funerals & Cremations, 74 Algonquin Ave., (Rt. 151), Mashpee from 9-10:30AM. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Christ the King Church, 5 Job’s Fishing Rd., Mashpee at 11AM. He will be laid to rest with his beloved Jinny at Crest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Marriottsville, MD.