Robert Francis McLean

As the father of two children who went on to become lawyers, Robert “Bob” McLean does not need to testify under oath; that fear was ever-present during his service in World War II. During times of combat and military action, Mr. McLean always kept two things in mind: do your job and acknowledge your God. That mindset helped him through the fear as a crewmember of PT Boat 461 in the time leading up to, then during and after, the D-Day Invasion.

During WWII, Mr. McLean declined an opportunity to train with the Navy Seals, and then served in the Navy Air Force V-5. His tech ability and a quick study for signals made him ideal for a Communications Tech position. Mr. McLean can still recount with vivid detail his experiences with camaraderie, battle and survival.

Following WWII, Mr. McLean participated in Jesuit retreats for the better part of a decade. He went on to attend Utica College and afterward, took a sales position for the Rome Cable Company. He worked there for 10 years, and then in a similar position with the Thomas & Betts Corporation for more than 20 years.

Born in Rome, New York, Mr. McLean still calls this area home. While he envisions a time when he will be reunited to dance again with his late wife Carol to a Glen Miller standard or Bobby Darin song, he still likes to drive to visit his CEO son, or his daughter - an author and attorney – or any of his seven grandchildren. An avid skier, Mr. McLean can be seen on the slopes, and in the warmer months, playing a few holes of golf.