Obituary: George MacLeman, 69; Formerly Of West Haven

WEST HAVEN, CT — (From West Haven Funeral Home): George MacLeman, West Haven fixture and longtime resident of Orange, CT crossed the goal line into eternal life on July 11, 2022, at the age of 69.

Devoted husband, friend, Grampy, best father in the world and hero to his three daughters, George dedicated his life to his family, friends, community and to unrelenting selfless acts of kindness. His unsinkable faith and optimism made him a beacon of light in times of darkness for so many.

George was born on April 9, 1953, in New Haven, CT to Gertrude and the late Douglas MacLeman. The third of nine children, George had such fond memories of his childhood and loved sharing stories. One of his favorite memories was playing football outside the West Shore firehouse with his brothers and cousins.

He was a proud member of the 1968 West Haven High School Westies championship football team, who were #1 in the state and #5 in the country that year, garnering their induction into the school’s Football Hall of Fame. His teammates remain some of his best friends to this day. A diehard Giants fan, George loved the game and one of his fondest memories as a kid was carrying the late Sam Huff’s cleats when the football great practiced at Fairfield University.

A hopeless romantic, George would get teary-eyed recalling the anniversary of his first date with his wife of nearly 47 years, Carol, on April 10, 1971, when he took her to the Easter Vigil Mass at Our Lady of Victory Church in West Haven.

Carol, his girlfriend as he still called her, was and always will be the center of his world and the love of his life. A former Marine stationed at Camp Lejeune, George loved his country and had a deep respect for U.S. veterans.

After he was discharged, George began working as a flooring contractor, ultimately starting his own company.

George was a tireless worker who still found time for his community. A few in a long list of activities were organizing benefits for friends and family, volunteering for the West Haven Football Alumni Association, fundraising for the Jimmy Fund, and most recently, serving on the Orange Memorial Day parade committee.

George’s family was his pride and joy, especially his four grandsons. He cherished every opportunity to spend time with them - playing football in the yard, teaching them how to swing a golf club, playing chess, hosting sleepovers, organizing ‘special ops’ missions and summers on Cape Cod.

George’s ability to find joy and awe in the simplest things made him a magical grandfather to his boys.

George had too many friends to name, some he dubbed the Breakfast Club and the Magnificent Seven. His infectious laugh and booming voice will reverberate in our memories of him.

George left this world better than he found it, and his loss will be deeply felt for years to come. Just like George Bailey in Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life, if George’s life was measured in love, he died the richest man in town.

George is survived by his wife Carol Tartagni MacLeman, daughters Jennifer (Shane Sudduth) MacLeman, Sara (Lee) Boyd, Kate (Tommy Haugh) MacLeman-Haugh, grandsons Jack and Tyler Boyd and Jesse and Ian MacLeman, mother Gertrude Ryan MacLeman, brothers Billy and Jimmy Donegan, sisters Eileen Hemming, Barbara Franko, Mary (Luke) Petrelli and Jennifer (John) DiPaolo, many nieces, nephews, cousins and countless family and friends. In addition to his father Douglas, he was also predeceased by his sisters Leslie MacLeman and Margaret DaCosta and niece Casey Hemming.

The hours for visitation will be held on Sunday, July 17 from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. at West Haven Funeral Home at the Green. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday at 11 a.m. in Holy Infant Church. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in George’s name to the Jimmy Fund at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via www.jimmyfund.org/gift.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit West Haven Funeral Home here.