Robert "Bob" K Mclean

Wales-Bob was born in his grandmother's house in Southbridge, MA, September 26, 1939. He spent the majority of his childhood years in Wales, graduated from Tantasqua Regional High School and attended UMass Amherst and Quinsigamond College. He served in the United States Army from 1963-1965, Nike Air Defense, 4th Missile Battalion 62nd Artillery in Fort Bliss, TX. When he was discharged from the army in 1965, his sergeant told him he could apply for unemployment, where he was immediately told there was an opening at Wilton's. Wilton's became a great point of pride for Bob, and is now a 133 year old business. He has been with the company for 59 years- since 1965- when it produced knitted athletic uniforms for sports teams. He bought the company in 1978, and has now owned it for 46 years. It was during his first summer at Wilton's that he met Elaine Konicki, and after knowing each other for just a few months they jumped headfirst into a marriage that has lasted them 58.5 prosperous years together.

Bob always had a lot of love for--and took the best care of--his family. He leaves behind his wife Elaine, daughter Nadina Pendleton of Ware, MA, son Stephen McLean of Lithia, FL, and daughter Abby Wood of East Sandwich, MA, as well as their spouses Brian, Jocelyn, and Tony, and his grandchildren Brian, Cassie, Ellie, Alexis, Hailey, Fen, Finian, and Sam. He also leaves behind his sisters, Phyllis Nichols and her husband Roland, and Barbara Comptois, along with several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother Marion (Naylor) McLean, father Robert McLean, and sister Marion Eames. He also leaves behind his lifelong friend Roger Felton and a staff of the most dedicated employees who help to run Wilton's.

Bob was happiest on his farm in Wales. He loved spending time hiking in the woods, cultivating the land, walking the beach in Florida, and watching wildlife pass by, especially when accompanied by family. He was an endless source of wisdom during life's greatest challenges and often reminded us that, "there is nothing new under the sun," and "this too shall pass."

Services have been entrusted to Lombard Funeral Home of Monson. Visiting hours will be held Monday, May 20, 2024 from 4-6pm at the funeral home, burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary or the American Heart Association.