Obituary: William D. McCalmon
Maine’s “Mighty Mac” William D. McCalmon Dies at 84
Yarmouth, N.H. — William D. “Bill” McCalmon, a lifelong resident of Portland who was known as a fierce swimmer, devoted educator and beloved island fixture, died peacefully at his home in Yarmouth on September 20, 2026. The 84‑year‑old was born in Portland on October 18, 1941, to parents Irving and Lorraine (Daniels) McCalmon.
A child of the city’s Munjoy Hill and Peaks Island, Bill’s early years were steeped in the rhythms of the Atlantic. He began swimming with the Portland Boys Club, a pastime that would define his youth. At Portland High School, he captained the swim team, setting school and meet records, and capturing four Maine state individual titles and a New England championship. He and his brother Irv earned the nickname “The Mighty Macs” for their dominance in the sport. Bill went on to compete for the University of Connecticut before being inducted into the Maine Swimming Hall of Fame in 2024.
After college, Bill served as a medic with the Army National Reserves, then turned his compassion toward the classroom. He earned a master’s degree and became principal of PREP, a school for children with special needs, before serving as the City of Portland’s Director of Special Education. In that role, he worked closely with families to improve educational opportunities for all students.
In 1971, while working the Old Port Tavern, Bill met Mary Jane (Jacobs). They married two years later, in 1973, and raised two children, Ryan and Sarah. The couple would be married for 53 years, a testament to their deep partnership. Bill’s devotion to his family was a constant in his life: his grandchildren—Benjamin, Aaron, Nora, Asher, Camden, and William—fondly called him “Grumpy,” a nickname that reflected his affectionate, sometimes gruff, humor. His sister, Elizabeth Tracy, predeceased him.
Bill’s career took several turns. After a period in the sales and investment world, he spent twenty years running the Long Island Store in Casco Bay. The shop became a social hub, where Bill entertained visitors with stories, laughter, and his “unmistakable gift for connecting with people.” He also revived his passion for painting, displaying his work in the store’s makeshift gallery; many of his pieces remain cherished in private homes.
A self‑described “renaissance man,” Bill kept busy long after retirement. He was an avid golfer and always ready to challenge friends to a round. He fished, scuba‑dove, ran, played “old man poker,” read biographies, and followed baseball closely, often discussing the latest games with longtime friend Harvey Wheeler. Bill’s personal motto—“I’m ALL IN”—summarized his approach to life: he was present at every game, practice, track meet, concert, graduation, holiday, and vacation, offering jokes, stories, hugs, and attentive listening whenever anyone needed it.
The McCalmon family will hold a celebration of Bill’s life on Wednesday, November 4, at the Ocean Gateway in Portland. Guests may arrive at 3 p.m.; remembrances will begin at 3:30 p.m., followed by a reception that will run until 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, an institution that has long served the Maine community.
Bill’s legacy as a swimmer, educator, community leader, and loving family man will remain a lasting source of inspiration. His presence will be deeply missed, but the memories of his generosity, humor, and unwavering support for others will live on in all who knew him.
