Alan R. McLennan

Alan R. McLennan, 85, of Methuen, MA, passed away on March 8, 2024, following complications from a fall. Born in Lawrence, MA, Alan was the son of Dorothy and Adolph. He was predeceased by his brother, Royce McLennan.

Alan graduated from Lawrence High School in 1957 and was the recipient of the prestigious Cregg Medal awarded to the school’s top scholar-athlete. He was recruited to play football at the University of Notre Dame and following graduation from the New England Institute of Applied Funeral Arts and Sciences had a long career as a funeral director in Lawrence. Alan owned and operated the Hart-McLennan Funeral Home in Lawrence at the time of his retirement.

Alan and Janet (Bardazzi) McLennan enjoyed a romance for the ages, beautifully encapsulated in their 60-year marriage. Together, Alan and Janet built a wonderful life that provided comfort and joy not only to each other but also to those they loved and cared for.

They raised two sons, Scott and Matthew, in a loving and supportive home. Alan was an adored grandfather to Sam, Tyler, Margo, Logan, and Mason and loving father-in-law to Deborah and Anne. Alan remained close to nephews, Billy and Peter McLennan and niece, Jean Olson. Alan nurtured a vast network of friends and close family members, maintaining relationships that in some cases extended back to his childhood.

Alan was proud of his service in the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve. He was an active member of his community, providing service through the Lawrence Exchange Club, of which he was a past president, and the Masons, belonging to what is now the Lawrence United Masonic Lodge.

A kind and generous man deeply devoted to his family, Alan was a strong man with equally strong values rooted in fairness and hard work. He was also intuitive and empathetic. He provided invaluable guidance to his children and grandchildren, but allowed them to follow their individual paths, always there to celebrate their accomplishments and to help should someone stumble or fall.

Alan was an outstanding athlete in his youth and remained active in later years on the golf course. He was also an avid sports fan, especially enjoying college and professional football. He enjoyed reading about and discussing history and could be counted on to deploy his offbeat humor in mostly appropriate settings. He and Janet made lasting memories with their journeys throughout this country, Europe, China, Africa, Israel and elsewhere. But Alan was happiest in the company of his family, enjoying a home-cooked meal and watching a football game on television.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org/donate or Boston Children’s Hospital Trust giving.childrenshospital.org.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours Monday, March 11, 2024 from 3:00-6:00 PM at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley St., Rte.113, Methuen, MA. A memorial service will be held at 6:00 PM in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be private.