Donald C. McLean, M.D.

Dr. Donald C. McLean of Atlanta, Georgia, passed away peacefully at his home on February 2, 2026 from complications of Parkinson’s disease, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in White Plains, New York, on April 2,1935 to Donald and Claire C. McLean and grew up there, where he attended high school and excelled in varsity football, basketball, and baseball. He went on to graduate from Williams College with honors in Chemistry, pitching for the varsity baseball team and joining the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity.

After graduating from college, he received his medical degree from Cornell Medical College and completed his internship and residency at New York Hospital (Cornell). His career then took him into military service as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force, where he served as Chief of Pediatrics at the 36th Tactical Fighter Base Hospital in Bitburg, Germany. Following his discharge, he completed two additional years of advanced training in allergy, immunology, and pulmonary disease at the University of Virginia Medical Center, ultimately bringing his expertise to the Lowance Clinic in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. McLean founded the Peachtree Allergy and Asthma Clinic on the campus of Piedmont Hospital in 1973, establishing a practice that would become a cornerstone of allergy care in Atlanta. His passion for academic allergy led to multiple faculty roles at Emory School of Medicine. He was widely respected among his peers and served as President of the American College of Allergy and the Southeastern Allergy Association, as well as a director of the American Board of Allergy and the Joint Council of Allergy and Immunology. He was also honored as a Distinguished Fellow of the American College of Allergy. Above all else, the care and well-being of his patients were always his greatest priority, and he was well loved by those he served.

In later years, Dr. McLean volunteered many hours as a physician at the Salvation Army College and Adult Rehabilitation Center, where he lived out his calling to serve by providing compassionate medical care, dignity, and hope to men seeking healing and restoration.

Affectionately known as “Doc” by his grandchildren, he will be remembered for the sparkle in his eye, his dry sense of humor, and his fondness for a good practical joke. His zest for life showed in his love of tennis, his voracious appetite for books, and the joy he found spending time with his dogs. A gifted storyteller, he could tell a story like no one else—often more than once! He was always up for anything and was considered great fun by his children and grandchildren. A devoted and loving husband, he carried a steady, calming presence that anchored those around him. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Sondra W. McLean. Six children: Sandy McLean Harris, Claire “Schatzi” McLean, Bobby Lau (Mitzi), Becky Davenport (Dennis), Jimmy Lau (Lynne), Melanie Faser (Peter). 12 grandchildren: McLean Harris and Claire Harris; Clayton, Shelby, and Natalie Lau; Jack Davenport and Garland Seelye; Davis, Jordan and Jessica Lau; Hoke and Leah Faser. Two great-grandchildren, Lakeland and Banks Harris.

A memorial service will be held at H.M. Patterson & Son Arlington Chapel (173 Allen Rd) on Saturday, February 28th at 12 noon with a reception immediately following the service. A private interment will take place at 3 pm for family members.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Dr. McLean’s memory to the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center at https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/arc-south/atlanta