It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Thomas (J.T.) MacLean, a devoted husband, beloved father, proud Papa, and cherished friend, at the age of 72 on August 21, 2025, with his loving family by his side.

J.T. was born in New Waterford on June 18, 1953, grew up down by the shore and attended Mount Carmel, Miners Memorial, and Breton Education Centre. In May 1979 he married his high school sweetheart Anita.

J.T. worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator first at the Sydney Steel Plant then for the Municipality. His skilled use of the machinery and love of landscaping was evident as he helped develop Colliery Lands Park, demolish the Coal Shute, and shape other notable sites in town. Prior to retirement, J.T. worked at Nova Scotia Power Lingan Generating Station as a Millwright Machinist. During those 23 years he made friends who were like brothers, still often getting together to reminisce about the good times and many laughs had over the years.

J.T was the kind of person you could always count on, a man who truly couldn’t do enough for you. His kindness, generosity, and thoughtfulness touched the lives of so many. He was a steady presence – always ready with a tool in hand, a solution to any problem, a warm smile and the best hugger. He had a deep love for being outside, especially in his yard, where he found peace in sitting back to admire his freshly cut lawn and watching the sunset over Low Point Lighthouse. He also enjoyed working on perfecting his golf swing in the hopes of showing up his son Jay; this was going to be the summer he finally did it! 

He took immense pride in caring for his family and nothing brought him more joy than time spent with his children and grandchildren. Their accomplishments, big and small, made him the proudest Papa. He was their #1 fan cheering them on, never missing an event. Family was everything to him and he cherished gatherings where everyone came together to eat, laugh, and just be close. Those memories will live on in the hearts of all who shared them.

J.T. is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Anita; daughter, Kelly and favorite son-in-law, Chris Angione; son, Jay MacLean; his three adoring grandchildren, Elise Marie, Blake John Thomas, and Laikyn Jay; and fur baby, Fleury. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Eleanor (MacNeil) Burke, age 99&1/2, who resides with them; his loving sister, Alice (Daryl) MacDonald; brother, Mick; special family friend, Harvey Power, and Linda (Glen) Hutchison; nieces and nephews, as well as many lifelong friends. 

Besides his parents, Tom and Elsie MacLean, he was predeceased by Patrick (Rose) Butts, Gordie (Lil) Butts, and Marie (Harvey) Moulaison, raised as his brothers and sister. Also predeceased by his father-in-law, Tom Burke (DaBurke); his sister-in-law, Patsy MacNeil; his niece, Sonya (Glen) Chaisson, and his devoted fur baby Catie.

As per J.T.’s wishes, there will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the care of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, New Waterford. A graveside service to celebrate J.T.’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, September 2nd in Mount Carmel Cemetery with Deacon Lorne MacNeil officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor his memory in the way he would have most appreciated -  by lending a hand, sharing a story, spending time with the ones you love, or making a donation to the SPCA. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca. 

God saw you getting tired,

And a cure was not to be,

So he put his arms around you,

And whispered, "Come to Me".

A Golden heart stopped beating,

hard working hands at rest,

God broke our heart to prove to us,

He only takes the best.