William “Bill” Charles McLaren (1943-2025) of Douglaston, New York passed away peacefully on Friday, March 14 of natural causes. He is mourned by Maria McLaren, his children Alexander, Teresa, and Josette, his son-in-law Richard, his daughters-in-law Yoshimi and Leah, and his grandchildren Alanna, Sophia, and Caroline, as well as his many friends and family and people whose lives he touched.
Bill was born in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Charles and Agnes McLaren – nee Hardiman. He graduated from Manhattan Prep, Manhattan College, and Fordham University where he received his Master’s Degree in Social Work. He also studied at Saint Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary in Calicoon, New York, where he served as a novice Franciscan Brother before leaving the order. When he realized the monastic life was not for him, Bill trained as a social worker and spent his life supporting people in need. Bill was a social worker for the State of New York, at Unitas St. Marks Place Institute for Mental Health, and later founded United Services for Mental Health in Queens, New York. He also volunteered with several support groups. He worked with patients at his private practice until a stroke in 2020 left him unable to continue.
He was married to Maria McLaren – nee Amador – in Brooklyn New York from 1971 to 1999 and together they raised three children.
The family is eternally grateful to everyone who helped care for Bill after his stroke, especially to his long-time caregivers Alisia Smikle, Norma Robinson and Nordia Grace Scale and his friends Scott and John.
Bill loved gardening, nature, travel, films and musicals. A patriotic Irish American, his Saint Patrick’s Day parties were legendary.
Remaining to cherish Bill’s memory are his dear friend and former wife, Maria McLaren. His children, Alexander McLaren and Yoshimi Yoshida, Terry McLaren and Leah Clark, and Josette and Richard Dinh. His grandchildren, Alanna Dinh and Sophia and Caroline McLaren. His godchildren, Dennis Velasco, Diane Velasco, Mark Veasey, Donna Meyers Schreiber and his large extended and chosen family.
Preceding Bill in death are his parents, Agnes and Charles McLaren; and sister Marylou Veasey.
A funeral mass will be held Tuesday, March 18 at 11 am at Saint Anastasia RC Church in Douglaston, New York. This will be followed by his interment at Mount Saint Mary Cemetery in Flushing, New York.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to help his favorite charity and to defray his final expenses:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-honor-bill-mclarens-life-and-legacy
Online condolences may be shared at Doyle B Shaffer Funeral Home.

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