Arnold Edward McLellan, 81, of Middletown and formerly of New Britain, loving husband of 53 years to the late Barbara (Carlson) McLellan, passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, March 1, 2010. Born in New Brunswick Canada on Aug. 30, 1928, son of the late George and Alma (Crabtree) McLellan, Arnold spent his youth in New Britain where he went to school, worked and met the love of his life, Barbara. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, returning home and residing in Middletown to raise his family. A longstanding Middletown businessman, he owned and operated Colonial Auto Sales for 35 years before retiring in 1985. Arnold is best known for his gift of gab and the joy he found in talking to people. But the thing that brought him the greatest sense of happiness was his love for the state of Maine and the second home he built there for his family.

Surviving are six sons, Joel McLellan of St. Petersburg, Fla.; Brian McLellan and his wife Debbie of East Hampton; Bruce McLellan of Portland; Alan McLellan and his wife Rosemary of Naugutuck; David McLellan and his wife Ann of Colchester; and Arne McLellan of Middletown; a daughter, Amy Angelini and her husband Paul of North Branford; six brothers, Larry, Gene, Robert, Darryl, Murray and Ivan McLellan; two sisters, Audrey Brigenti and Jane McLellan; nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Friday at 10 a.m. at Carlson Funeral Home, 45 Franklin Square, New Britain. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery, New Britain. Calling hours are Thursday evening from 4 to 8 p.m. at Carlson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Arnold's memory to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405. Please share a memory or note of sympathy at www.carlsonfuneralhome.com.