WEBSTER ---- Donald “Don” Paul McLelland Sr., 85, of Call Road passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord at home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, September 3, 2023.
Don was born in Bristol CT, the son of the late Donald E McLelland and Clara (Miaschietti) McLelland.
Don graduated in 1959 from General Motors Institute in Flint Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. His illustrious career spanned several states and included multiple terms as a Police Commissioner in Bristol, CT, as President and CEO of several successful businesses ranging from manufacturing to consulting to real estate in CT and NH, and a multitude of elected offices in Belmont including Town Administrator. He was often the one that was called to serve on boards that needed his expertise, wisdom and guidance. He was especially proud of the 20+ years he served St Joseph Parish in Belmont, NH as the finance chairman.
Don is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 63 years, Merlyn (McCormack) McLelland. Together they had 5 amazing children, his daughter Donna McLelland, his son Donald McLelland Jr, his daughter Debra Knowlton and her husband James, his daughter Dawn Cilley and her husband Jon, and his son David McLelland Sr and his wife Stephanie. He was proud of his 9 wonderful grandchildren: Aaron McLelland, Bryan McLelland and his wife Hope, Emily Knowlton-Moffett and her husband Andrew, Curtis McLelland and his wife Marissa, Kaylie Knowlton, David McLelland Jr, Brittany Cilley, Madison McLelland and Laura Cilley.
Don was an avid boater and lover of all things with a motor. His family often joked about his “magic garage” and its ability to house new cars. It was not unusual to go over for a visit to find a new car in there! Nothing gave him greater pleasure than being behind the wheel, whether on the road or on the water.
Don’s family will remember his unwavering faith and love for his family. He was the first to volunteer to help in any situation and could always be counted on for sage advice, kind words and helpful actions. While he and Merlyn only had 5 biological children, there are many others who considered him a father in their lives.
Calling Hours will be held on Sunday, September 10, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH, using the Carriage House entrance.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, September 11, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Parish, 96 Main Street, Belmont, NH.
Graveside Services will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Garfield Street, Laconia, NH.
For those who wish, the family suggests donations be made in Donald’s memory to the Snow Foundation, P.O. Box 50224, Clayton, MO 63105.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.