Neil MacLellan Jr.

Neil MacLellan, Jr., was born on October 16, 1931, in New York, NY, the son of Neil MacLellan and Mary Elinor Snow MacLellan. Neil passed away peacefully with family at his side on January 24, 2023. Neil grew up in Larchmont, NY. As a young man, he was active in the Larchmont Avenue Presbyterian Church Youth Group, ran track for Mamaroneck High School and sang in the Mamaroneck High School acapella choir. He spent summers at camp on Lake Winnipesaukee, NH, both as a camper and a counselor. He had very fond memories of his time there. Neil attended college and graduated from Lowell Technological Institute, now known as the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, in Lowell, MA, in 1953. There he studied to prepare for a career in the textile industry. During the summers he stayed in Lowell, working in the textile mills, gaining valuable experience and insight that he used later in his work life. After graduating from Lowell, Neil headed to Newport, RI, where he attended and graduated from Officer Candidate School (OCS) for the United States Navy. Once commissioned, he became part of the crew of the USS Hunt (DD 674). The USS Hunt would be his home for the next three years. Neil was Gunnery Officer and achieved the rank of Lieutenant during his tenure on board. Neil told many interesting stories about his time in the Navy, and always looked back on this time as educational and rewarding. He cherished the friendships he made on board, staying in communication with his Navy buddies until he died. It was during a visit home in 1953 that he met his future wife, Norma Jean Leidenberg. They wed in October 1956. After his last tour of duty, Neil returned home, and he and Norma established themselves in Larchmont. Neil remained in the Naval Reserve for the next seven years. He was employed by J.P. Stevens, Allied Chemical Company, and others where he marketed fibers for home furnishings. Early on they welcomed a daughter and a son. Both Norma and Neil were very involved in the upbringing of their children and supportive of all their endeavors. Neil continued to sing in the church choir as well as serve on the Auxiliary Police force. He and Norma enjoyed racing sail boats out of Larchmont Yacht Club as well as participating in a weekly Badminton group. In 1989, Neil and Norma relocated to the Flat Rock/Hendersonville area of North Carolina, where they spent the next 30 years before moving to Queenstown, MD. During this time, Neil was active in local politics, serving on the Town Council and acting as Vice Mayor of the Town of Flat Rock. Neil’s prime focus in life was his family. He loved spending time with family as well keeping up with the activities of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He remained up to date on current events and enjoyed reading historical novels. Neil is survived by his wife of 66 years, Norma Jean MacLellan; daughter, Sherry Ann Linkous (Robert) of Queenstown, MD; son, Scott Neil MacLellan (Deborah) of Okatie, SC; granddaughters Jennifer Baldini (David), Ashley Jones-Mitchell (Brian), Amy Scalera (Christopher), Sarah Schmitt (Justin), Amanda Terzulli (Terence); 12 great-grandchildren; cousins, nephews, and a niece. Memorial contributions can be made in Neil’s name to Compass Regional Hospice, 160 Coursevall Drive, Centreville, MD, 21617.

Neil MacLellan Jr.

October 16, 1931 - January 24, 2023