Edmond M. McLellan, age 91, of Warwick, died on Tuesday, April 4, 2017, in Cranston after a brief illness. Beloved husband of Eileen (Kilmartin) McGuire McLellan and of the late Frances D. (Storti) McLellan.
Born in Providence, a son of the late Michael U. and Catherine Lillian (MacDonald) McLellan, he lived in Warwick since 1982. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, and served as a radarman on the USS J.R.Y. Blakely (DE-140). He was a member of the Destroyer Escort Sailor’s Association.
Mr. McLellan was employed as an accountant with the State of RI Department of Administration for 20 years before his retirement. He attended Johnson & Wales business school on the GI Bill following his Navy service and returned to complete a bachelor’s degree at age 55.
During retirement, he enjoyed travel, his family and the Boston Red Sox. He was an accomplished, self-taught duck carver. One of his ducks graces the Kennebunkport residence of former President George HW Bush and Barbara Bush. As a proud Navy veteran, Ed was an avid swimmer his entire life, progressing to ferocious floating in his later years.
He was a practical, frugal and stoic New Englander, having experienced the Great Depression first hand, military service immediately out of high school and being widowed at 53. Ed was never burdened by expectations, always appreciative of help and unassuming. He proudly asserted in later life that he was neither worried nor depressed a day in his life. He was a faithful Catholic and member of St. Peter’s parish for many years where he was also active with the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.
Although a quiet man, he loved to dance and through Parents Without Partners, danced his way into Eileen’s heart four years after the death of Fran, his dearly missed first wife. Ed and Eileen were the last surviving WWII veteran couple in RI.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, James M. McLellan of Coventry, Edward J. McLellan (Joan) of Holliston, MA, and Robert P. McLellan (Joyce) of Cranston; a step-daughter, Mary Ellen “Elly” McGuire (Ron Trotta) of New York City; and four grandchildren, Lisa A. Gibbons, David R. McLellan, Matthew J. McLellan, and Steven N. McLellan. He was the brother of the late Joseph, Donald, Francis, and Mary McLellan. The brothers served as a four-star family during the war.
His funeral was held on Monday, April 10, from the Barrett & Cotter Funeral Home, 1328 Warwick Avenue, Spring Green, Warwick, with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Peter Church, 350 Fair Street, Warwick. Burial with military honors was in St. Ann’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society or BrightFocus Foundation. www.barrettandcotter.com
