Obituary of Lawrence R. McClellan

Lawrence R. McClellan, a resident of Darien for over 60 years, died on Friday, April 11, 2008 at Stamford Hospital. He was 93 years old. Born in Stamford on February 14, 1915, he was the son of the late Richard and Mary (Clark) McClellan. Mr. McClellan graduated from Stamford High School in 1933. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He received the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Good Conduct Medal, the Victory Medal, the American Theatre Medal and the EAMET Campaign Medal. He retired after working many years with the Darien Public School System. He was also the longtime sexton at the First Congregation Church of Darien. Mr. McClellan enjoyed bowling and was formerly on the Darien Men's Bowling League. Larry was also a former Commander of the VFW Post 6933 in Darien. He formerly coached a men's fast pitch softball team. He also coached basketball for the VFW team and then for the St. John Church Team. Mr. McClellan formerly was on the Parks and Recreation Commission in Darien. It was while he was on the Parks and Recreation Commission the he helped to start the Darien Little League with Fred Poccia, Ed Lawrence and Nicky Frate in 1953. He coached the Darien VFW Little League team for many, many years. He was President of the Darien Little League for about three years. He has served on the Board of Directors on the District Little League Connecticut District 1. Larry truly enjoyed being a part of the Darien Little League and was active for over 50 years. In 2006 the roadway between the Little League fields and the Noroton Heights Fire Department was named Larry McClellan Way in honor of him. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary Ann McClellan. He is also survived by his three nieces, Joan Dance and Patricia Dance both of Darien and Pamela Nevins of Stamford; three nephews, John D'Acunto of Norwalk, Robert Nevins of Williston, VT and William Nevins of Albuquerque, NM; and several grand nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by one daughter, Mary Cecelia McClellan and his sister, Mary McClellan Nevins. Friends may call at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Rd. in Darien, on Tuesday April 15, 2008 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John Roman Catholic Church, 1986 Post Road, Darien on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery, Darien. Memorial donations may be made to the Darien Little League, P. O. Box 2108, Darien, CT 06820. Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820