Richard W. McLean (Ricky) of Newton, MA died unexpectedly November 11, 2021. The son of the late Marjorie and Walter McLean, he was 74 years old. A lifelong Newton resident and a proud Veteran of the US Army, Ricky leaves behind his son and daughter in law, Joshua and Amy, and his grandchildren, Crista and Miles. He also leaves behind his brother William and his wife Frances, his brother John and his wife Mary, and his late sister Judith and her husband Raymond Silva. He is predeceased by the absolute light and love of his life, his wife Mary Anne. He also leaves behind his aunt Carol and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

“Here for a good time, not for a long time” is the motto Ricky lived by. Whether he was fighting fires on Ladder 1 with the Newton Fire Department, cheering on his beloved Patriots, causing trouble with Mary Anne, talking sports with Josh, working for Northland, or sipping a drink at the club with friends, he was always smiling and laughing. Grandpa was one of his favorite roles, and he absolutely adored the time he spent with his grandson Miles. We will miss spending summers with him in Hampton and nights of endless stories on the porch. In honor of one of the greatest guys we knew, we raise a toast… specifically, a vodka martini, straight up, bone dry. We’ll miss you, Rick.

Visiting hours will be held Sunday, November 21, 2021 from 12-4p at the Burke & Blackington Funeral Home, 1479 Washington St., West Newton, MA. A brief remembrance and flag presentation ceremony will take place at 3:30p at the funeral home. Celebration of life to follow. Patriots attire encouraged. If you have a story about Ricky, we’d love for you to share it. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Newton Firefighters Association.