Obituary of Joseph Cyril MacLean

With great sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Joseph Cyril “Joe” MacLean, 72, of Enfield with his loving family by his side on September 20, 2025, at the Victoria General site of the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax.

Joe was born in Cape Broyle, Newfoundland, on April 19, 1953, the son of the late Allan and Bridget (Dalton) MacLean. He was raised in a very loving environment by his grandparents and maintained a life-long pride and endearment for the people and the community of Cape Broyle.

He was an aircraft firefighter for much of his working life, beginning a 42-year career in Goose Bay, Labrador, and completing the bulk of his firefighting duties at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport. He was a hard worker who always gave his all to the task at hand.

What always came first for Joe was his family, their wellbeing and happiness, and his steadfast Catholic faith. Moving to Enfield 49 years ago, Joe met and married Eileen and together they attentively shepherded their daughters into their adult years.

Joe’s lasting legacy will be one of kindness, a willingness to always lend a hand to those in need and to lighten the load of others by simply listening or offering an amusing story.He was a longtime member of the local Knights of Columbus council named in honour of his good friend, Thomas Bagley, and a willing contributor to many projects launched by the council and by St. Bernard’s Catholic Church.

Left behind to mourn are his wife of 47 years, Eileen (Walsh), daughters, Jennifer (Jason) Rushton and Carolyn (Jamie) Nolter and six grandchildren with whom he shared a special and enduring bond, Cameron, Julia, Liam, Abby, Ben and Will. 

He is also survived by brother Bruce (Jody) Kearley, sister LuAnne (Bruce) Williams, in-laws Mary Elizabeth Walsh, Cathy and Jim Arthur, Robert and Evelyn Walsh, several aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends and co-workers over the years.

He was predeceased by granddaughter Grace Rushton, biological father Neal Kearley, and brother John Kearley.

The family would like to acknowledge the dedication of the oncology staff and the staff of 8A and the palliative care unit at the Victoria General site.

The funeral is under the direction of Ettinger Funeral Home, 2812 Highway 2, Shubenacadie, where visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, September 23. A mass of Christian burial will be held Wednesday, September 24 at 11 a.m. at St. Bernard’s Church in Enfield, with Father Gerald David officiating. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.

A livestream of the service will be available at: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=6ee1dc8e-dc85-473a-aad4-95e1c5dcd804

Memorial donations can be made to the window replacement fund to St. Andre Bessette Parish/St. Bernard’s Church.

Condolences, words of comfort and memories of Joe can be shared with the family at www.ettingerfuneralhome.com

“If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart. I’ll stay there forever.”