LUCERNE-IN-MAINE – Major Charles A. “Chuck” McClead USAF-Ret. pulled final chocks and set off on his last flight, December 25, 2024. Peaceful at last, surrounded with love, holding Valerie’s hand; his devoted wife of 51 years.
Chuck was born in 1935 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the eldest of 6 children born to Ralph and L. Lucille McClead. The family moved to Mansfield, Ohio, where Chuck graduated from Madison High School in 1952. He later attended Ohio University where he studied mechanical engineering and forestry. He was also enrolled in the OU AF-ROTC program.
The lure of flying was high on Chuck’s priority list. In 1954 he joined the Air Force as an Aviation Cadet, graduating from Navigation School in 1956 as a Radar Observer in Fighter Aircraft. Chuck was a veteran of the Vietnam Conflict and an experienced WSO in the F4D Phantom, flying 222 combat missions. His final duty base was with the 132nd Fighter Intercept Squadron flying in the F101B when he joined the Maine Air National Guard in 1970, completing 20 years of active service to his country.
On November 11, 2019, Maj. Gen. Douglas Farnham presented Chuck with the Distinguished Flying Cross for meritorious service in Southeast Asia that resulted in crew lives and aircraft saved. U.S. Senator Susan M. Collins provided remarks in this ceremony at the Cole Land Transportation Museum in Bangor where Chuck served as an Ambassador for Freedom with 1,000 volunteer hours earned in 2010.
In 1971 Chuck owned and operated Hypo Hydros in Brewer, selling Checkmate boats, Rupp snowmobiles, and minibikes. From 1975 to 1995 Chuck became a rural mail carrier for the USPS working out of the Holden, Maine, office. He was a volunteer firefighter for 26 years with the Dedham-Lucerne Fire Department, retiring in May 2010 as a Captain.
For 35 years he was a water quality monitor and invasive plant inspector for the Environmental Protection Agency, caring for the lake he loved, Phillips Lake, and its watershed. He also served as the dam keeper. Other areas of service include as an Overseer and member of the Lucerne-In-Maine Planning Board.
Chuck was a charter member of both the Lucerne-In-Maine Yacht Racing Union and the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter #827. He also enjoyed ice boating at Lucerne and with the Chickawaukie Ice Boat Club in the DN that Valerie bought him for his birthday. He was a member of the Dedham UCC and served on the diaconate.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Valerie; his beloved son, Seth; his treasured daughter-in-law, Laurel; two precious granddaughters, Isla and Vivien, who gave him much joy; a special sister-in-law, Dinah and her husband, Froggy; many devoted nieces and nephews. Chuck is also survived by his brother, Jim; sister Letha; sister, Norene and her husband, Steve; and brother-in-law, Carroll. He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Keith; sister, Karen; and sisters-in-law, Donna and Judy.
We are thankful for the example that he set, living life fiercely and joyfully at every opportunity, from flying his VariEze over the state, to sailing and boating at Phillips, to snorkeling on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
Chuck’s family is grateful for the support of friends and neighbors, and for the exceptional care he received at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Bangor.
A celebration of life will be held to honor Chuck on May 18, 2025 from 1-3PM at The Overlook, Lucerne Inn.
For those wishing to remember Chuck in a special way, and the communities he chose to serve, please consider donating in his name to the Dedham-Lucerne Fire Department, 8 Bald Mountain Road, Dedham, Maine 04429.
Funeral Home: Brookings-Smith Funeral Home
Website: https://www.brookingssmith.com/