LEWISTON – John F. Nealand of Norway passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 3, after a brief illness with his family by his side.

Jack was born in Portland on Nov. 16, 1927, the son of Elizabeth (Manning) and Michael (Frank) Nealand. He grew up on the West End of Portland and he was very proud of his Irish heritage.

He attended St. Dominic’s School and Cheverus High School. During his senior year in high school, he insisted that he wanted to serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II until his mother finally relented and let him sign up for the Navy. While in the Navy, he was assigned to the USS Plunkett. After his enlistment was up, he returned to Portland, where he met Theresa (Castonguay) Nealand, and together they raised 10 children. He was the heart and soul of the family. He worked very hard for many years as a line supervisor for New England Telephone Co., where he finally retired. He later married Sallie (Ullman) Nealand, and together they built beautiful homes in Phippsburg and then in Norway.

He was devoted husband and father, he loved his children dearly. He worked very hard to keep the family together. He taught all of his children the value of hard work, honesty, integrity, compassion, devotion and dedication. He always stressed the importance of education and personal values.

He was very strong in all his beliefs, yet he had a keen sense of humor and wit about him that he always attributed to his Irish background. He enjoyed golfing, boating, playing pool, and reading. He had a special place in his heart for all animals, but especially his German Shepard’s Gus and Hanna.

He is survived by his wife, Sallie of Norway; six daughters, Gail and husband, Raymond Monahan, of Windham, Anne Marie Dillon of Portland, Patricia and husband, Harold Cote, of Portland, Mary Theresa and husband, Thomas Calder, of Portland, Kathleen Nealand of Portland and Judith and husband, John Larsen, of Windham; two sons, Raymond Nealand and wife, Lana, of Shelby and Al and Michael of Portland; a sister, Rosemary and husband, William Welch, of South Portland; two stepchildren, Lisa Ullman of Boston, Mass., and Richard Ullman and wife, Mara, of Delaware; and 16 beloved grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff at St. Mary’s Hospital, the Veterans’ Home in South Paris, and Androscoggin Hospice in Auburn for their never-ending compassion and care.

He was predeceased by his first wife Theresa; two sons, John F. Jr. and Paul A.; a stepdaughter, Sara Ullman; and a sister, Anne (Nealand) O’Carroll.