Dalton L. McLean
MASSENA – Mr. Dalton L. McLean, 85, of 22 Marie Street, peacefully passed away after a period of failing health, early Thursday morning, December 1, 2011 at the St. Regis Nursing Home, where he had been a resident since April.
Dalton was born May 13, 1926 in Finch, Ontario, the son of the late Murray Clifford and Essie Nioma Droppo McLean. He and his family moved to Massena in 1929. Dalton attended Massena schools and later achieved his GED. On July 21, 1944, he entered the US Air Force, where he served as a Sergeant Crew Chief Scanner on a B-29 with the 315th AirForce 42nd B Squadron, 11th Battalion Group. He was honorably discharged on September 22, 1946 after serving on Mariana Island, Guam, and Saipan. After returning home, he married Florence M. Girard on June 2, 1951 at St. Francis deSalles Catholic Church in Cornwall with her cousin, Father Tom Swift, officiating.
Dalton spent his working career at Alcoa, working in the Remelt, Tech Control, and Electrical Departments. Dalton retired in 1985 after 38 years of service. He was the former president of the Retired Aluminum Workers Club and was a member of the Alcoa 25 year Club. He was a life member of the Massena Moose Lodge #1110 and the Earl J. Santimaw VFW Post #1143. He was also an active member of the Italian-American Civic Association, where he enjoyed morning coffee for many years. Dalton was an avid golfer and member of the Massena Country Club. He loved to be outdoors and was involved in many outdoor activities including, hunting, fishing, fly fishing, and gardening. He was also an active communicant of the Church of the Sacred Heart.
Dalton is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Florence, two nephew and a niece. He is also survived by his wife’s brothers and sisters, William and Freda Girard, Ewen Girard, Freda and John Degan, Joan and Edward Currier, and Anita Girard, and their children; all of Canada.
He was predeceased by his brother, Earl MacLean who drowned at the age 13 in 1939; and his sister, L. Joyce Moses on October 11, 2011.
Friends may call at the Donaldson Funeral Home, 100 N. Main Street, Massena, Friday (today) 2-4 and 7-9 PM. The members of the VFW will meet at 7:15 PM for a memorial service. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday 10:00 at the Church of the Sacred Heart, with Rev. Donald J. Manfred, pastor, celebrating. Burial with full military honors will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Massena.
Memorial contributions in Dalton’s memory may be made to the Church of the Sacred Heart Memorial Fund, Massena Rescue Squad, or a charity of one’s choice.
Condolences may be made online at www.donaldsonfh.com.
