Edward A. McLean, III

Edward A. McLean III, 69, of Lanoka Harbor, NJ, passed away Monday June 22, 2026, comfortably at home  with his wife by his side, following a long illness. He was a devoted friend, husband, brother, father, and grandfather, and anyone who knew him would tell you he had a way of making people feel like family.

Ed was born and raised on Long Island, NY, and went on to study biology at SUNY Stony Brook. After college, he found his true calling as a paramedic in New York City, work he loved so much he was still telling stories about it decades later. He went on to build a career in paratransit operations, working his way up to an executive role before retiring as a transportation analyst for Automotive Resources International.

As proud as he was of his career, Ed's real joy was being a dad and a grandfather. He coached his kids' teams, served as cubmaster and assistant scoutmaster. He fondly remembered many camping trips taken with both of his sons, as well as attending concerts and musicals that his daughter performed in, never missing a chance to be part of their lives. He was just as devoted to his wife, Margaret. The two of them loved their visits to the Tiki Bar on the Forked River, lazy days at the beach, evenings sitting by the bay, and the trips they took together to Atlantic City. Later in life he cherished his time spent with his grandchildren.

Ed was predeceased by his father, Edward Andrew McLean Jr.; his mother, Martha Jeanne Lynch; and his sisters, Kathleen, Francine and Stephanie McLean.

He is survived by his loving wife, Margaret McLean (née Vilardo); his children, Jeanine Amelio, Bryan and Jennifer Burns, Sean and Michelle McLean, Jessica and Vincent Hartigan, and Jennifer and Carmen Lang-Scinico; his grandchildren, Christopher, Isabella, Olivia, Connor, Hayden, Aubrey, Brayden, Owen, and Mason; and his loyal golden retriever, Tucker.

A memorial Mass will be held on Wednesday, July 1 at 11:00am at St. Mary's Parish in Barnegat, NJ, with a luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, two causes Ed held close to his heart