Ralph Olsen McLean

Ralph Olsen McLean, 81, beloved husband of 47 years to Sunrae Agostini McLean, of Durham, passed away on April 4, 2009 at the CT Hospice surrounded by family. He was born in Westbrook, ME on August 10, 1927 to the late Charles and Florence Andrews McLean. Besides his wife, Ralph leaves his four children, Cynthia Getchell of Hallowell, ME, Debra LaPorte and her husband Rocco of Hamden, Dawn Leos and her husband Jay of Trumbull, and R. Brian McLean of Wallingford. His grandchildren, Terri, Robert, Eric, Trisha, Tracey, Kyra, Kyleigh, and great grandchildren, Ty, Isaac, and Gabriel. His sister Charlotte Peet of Hamden, brother Edward McLean of Norwich, his very special Godson George Peet, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Allan, Charles, and George McLean, and a son-in-law Norma Getchell. Ralph grew up and lived in Hamden until meeting his bride and moving to Durham 47 years ago. Once out of high school he joined the US Navy where he was on the Aircraft Carrier USS Lake Champlain and apart of the Magic Carpet Missions to bring our troops home towards the end of WWII. Once out of the service he became a sheet metal worker for Local 40 until his retirement in 1989. He was a 50 year member of the Day Spring Lodge #30 AF&AM and a long time parishioner of the Mt. Carmel Congregation Church. Ralph was also a classically trained opera singer. Singing was his passion. He sang for the New Haven Opera Society, was a soloist at many churches in New Haven, Middlesex, and Hartford counties, and spent time working on cruise ships entertaining with his wonderful voice. When he wasn't spending time with his very much loved family he could be found cheering on the UCONN Women's Basketball team. Ralph's pride and joy was the pond he built on his property in Durham. He had always enjoyed time outside, whether it was to tend his gardens, do yard work, or sit quietly watching the ripples dance peacefully across his pond. Besides the love Ralph showed to his family and friends, they will miss his beautiful voice that brought joy to so many lives. BEECHER & BENNETT 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden, in care of the private arrangements. Memorial contributions in Ralph's memory may be sent to CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405 OR to the charity of ones choice.