LEWISTON – John F. (Jack) Nealand of Norway passed away peacefully at St Mary’s Regional Medical Center, Saturday, May 3, after a brief illness. Family was at 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. His mother objected, but finally relented and let him sign up and while in the Navy he was assigned to the USS Plunkett. Later, 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. and retired in 1985. In 1985, he married Sallie (Crittendon) Nealand and together they built beautiful homes in Phippsburg and then in Norway.

He was a 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 and 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, especially German Shepherds and his dogs, Gus, Joshua, Misty and Hannah.

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, Ala., 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 Silver Spring, Md.; a brother-in-law, Bob Crittendon of Norway; and 16 beloved grandchildren.

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.

The family would like to thank the staff at Stephens Memorial Hospital, Market Square Health Care Center, the South Paris Maine Veterans’ Home, St. Mary’s Hospital and Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice for their extraordinary compassion and care.