A mass of Christian Burial for Maitland V. McNamara Jr., 86, of Old Lyme, will be held this morning at 11 a.m. at Christ the King Church in Old Lyme. Mr. McNamara passed away on Friday, Aug. 15, 2014, surrounded by his family. He was most well known for his avid involvement and support to Lyme-Old Lyme Athletics, affectionately known to many as “Coach Mac”. Don Desautels, who served as coach of the Lyme-Old Lyme High School girl’s soccer team for more than 20 years with whom Mr. McNamara worked closely, will deliver the eulogy at today’s service.
Mr. McNamara was born on May 18, 1928, in Bridgeport, to Maitland McNamara Sr. and Mary Hemson. He married his wife of 63 years, Ramona Watkins, on Oct. 6, 1950 in South Dakota. He honorably served in the Army during World War II. He was a faithful member of the VFW in Old Lyme; serving as the chaplain for many years.
Mr. McNamara is survived by his loving wife, Ramona McNamara; two daughters, Gail Griswold and her husband, Michael Griswold, of Cary, N.C. and Bonnie Russ and her husband, Paul Russ, of Waterford; and three grandchildren, Amanda Russ, Caroline Griswold, and Garrett Russ.
He was predeceased by his daughter, Beth Alane McNamara.
Calling hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2014, in Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 13 Beckwith Lane, Old Lyme. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014, in Christ the King Church, Old Lyme. Burial will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, 2014, in Duck River Cemetery, Old Lyme.
Please visit www.fultontherouxoldlyme.com for photos, tributes, directions, and more service information.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Maitland’s memory to the VFW Post in Old Lyme.