Patrick E. McLean

It was with a heavy heart that we, his loving wife, children, and grandchildren, said goodbye to Patrick on March 6, 2026, after a brief and sudden hospitalization.

He was a man of few words, yet his actions spoke volumes. He made many personal sacrifices to ensure that his family would have opportunities that he did not and demonstrated that you don’t need a lot to live a full life.

Patrick grew up in Lowell with his sister, Sandra, and brother, Timothy. Together with his parents, Edward (also known as “Mac”) and Lillian, they practiced a simple life of family, friends, and faith.

After completing St. Peter’s Elementary School, Patrick attended Lowell High School where he joined the Boy Officer program. Just shy of graduation, and on his 18th birthday, he lost his beloved sister to illness.

Patrick enrolled in Lowell State College, where he played basketball, studied Elementary Education, and met many friends and the love of his life, Kathryn Phaneuf. Patrick and Kathryn were married shortly after graduation and went on to enjoy nearly 54 additional years together.

He began his career as an educator and then principal at Prescott School in Groton before transitioning into business analyst and consultant roles at Kendall Company, Wang Laboratories, IBM, Schneider Electric, and Raytheon.

Patrick worked to live – and he lived for his family. He and Kathryn welcomed three children and throughout their childhoods, he coached their basketball and softball teams, tried to help them develop advanced math skills, and encouraged them to live to their fullest potential.

He and Kathryn were blessed with five grandchildren whom he adored. In 2013, his 7-year-old grandson and namesake, McLean Patrick “Mac” Connor, passed after a 16-month courageous journey with glioblastoma. This loss devastated and forever changed the family.

Patrick’s presence will be missed in so many big and small ways. He will be remembered for his stubbornness, convoluted bookkeeping style, minimalistic wardrobe, and his love for his family.

In addition to his wife, Kathryn (Phaneuf) McLean, Patrick is survived by his children Elizabeth Thompson and her husband Erik of Medway, MA; Rebecca Connor and her husband William of Chelmsford, MA; Michael McLean and his wife Crystal of Raleigh, NC; and his grandchildren Liam Connor and Emma, Maura, and Kyla Thompson. He is also survived by his brother Timothy and his wife Christine of Vineyard Haven, MA; his brother-in-law Norman Phaneuf and his wife Susan of Pelham, NH; and his nephews, Mark Phaneuf, Adam McLean, Matthew McLean, and niece, Sandra (McLean) Nicotera.

Friends may call on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST.  in LOWELL from 4 to 7 P.M. His Funeral Services will be held privately for his family at another time. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to the Lowell Humane Society, 951 Broadway St., Lowell, MA 01854 or Sophia’s Fund, 80 Northboro Rd, E. Marlborough, MA 01752. Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O’Donnell, Jr. (978) 458-8768.

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