MA, passed away on March 17, 2019 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House. He was
born in Boston MA in 1930, son of Albert and Stella (Larsen) McLean.
At the peak of his career in books, magazines and cable television, he led the effort
to bring cable to eight adjacent communities, including his own Briarcliff Manor, in
New York. As part of his work, Roger established the first-in-America Explorer
Post in TV Production serving teenage boys and girls. McLean Cable was sold in
1983 to American Cable systems.
Prior to founding his own cable systems, McLean had served as Vice President-
Sales for Sterling Manhattan Cable TV. Before moving to cable television, he had
been manager of college subscription sales at Time Inc., advertising director of
Connecticut Life magazine, circulation manager of American Heritage magazine,
manager of the book clubs at McGraw-Hill and, general manager of Funk &
Wagnalls at Reader’s Digest Association.
Roger was born August 5, 1930 to Albert and Stella McLean in Boston. His older
brother, Albert Jr., Dean of Point Park College, predeceased him. Roger was born
on Stella’s birthday and shared it with her every year except for his two years in
Korea. He saw combat as an Army artillery forward observer. Roger and a college
friend, future diplomatic correspondent Don Oberdorfer, obtained their discharges
in Japan and traveled home via Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
Motivated by this exposure to the world, Roger took an interest in public service
and attended the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts on the GI Bill. His
previous education had been in the public schools of Scituate, MA, the class of 1948
at Phillips Academy in Andover, MA and the class of 1952 at Princeton University.
Roger was an active member of his Andover and Princeton classes and served as
president of both at the 50th reunions in 1998 and 2002. He was also a scout leader,
vice president of Family Services of Westchester, president of Philharmonia
Virtuosi, a chamber orchestra, and he served three years as executive director of the
United Way of Northern Westchester. He belonged to the Cottage and Nassau
clubs at Princeton and the Fraternity Club of Portland, ME.
His beloved and supportive wife of 62 years, Latie Berman of Whitehall, Michigan,
was a great partner. After many years of travel to Europe, the couple celebrated
their 60th wedding anniversary with three weeks in China.
Roger is survived by Latie, son David of Shelburne VT, and daughter and son-in law
Allison and Michael Turndorf of Falmouth, ME. He is also survived by seven
wonderful granddaughters and two great granddaughters, and many beloved nieces
and nephews.
A celebration of his life at Ocean View in Falmouth and graveside service at Forest
Hills in Boston will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may
be sent to Andover’s Class of 1948 Memorial Fund, which honored his roommate,
Harry Mac Dunlap, or Hospice of Southern Maine.
Please visit www.lindquistfuneralhome.com to sign Roger’s online guest book and to view service details.
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