Theophilus “Theo” James McLelland III, 85, a forty-year Holliston resident, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. Born in Quincy, he was the son of the late Evelyn (Murphy) and Theophilus James McLelland II. He was the husband of 40 years to Elizabeth (King) McLelland.
Theo was a former Quincy City Councilman and member of the Adams Heights Men’s Club. He worked at Polaroid for 47 years, eventually working his way up to senior manufacturing engineer. He also worked with the 20×24 Program at Polaroid – these large format instant cameras were each hand-built and used roll film, with a final positive image measuring 20″x24″. He then moved on to the creation of an independently run 20×24 project. It was only through Theo’s efforts that the legendary 20×24 camera project was able to continue, as it still does today. Theo was a photographer, and his photos of the Newport Jazz Festival were published in Rolling Stone magazine. He loved his family, dogs, and the outdoors. His favorite place to vacation was camping at Hermit Island in Maine.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Georgia (McLelland) Ryan (Frank), Edmund James “Jimmy” McLelland, Theophilus “Teddy” McLelland IV, Liz McLelland (David Nicholson; his brother, Edmund James McLelland; 6 grandchildren, Liam, Patrick, and Siobhan Ryan, and Caroline andCamryn McLelland and Briegh (McLelland) Nardone; as well as 2 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He is predeceased by his former wife, Barbara (Lombardo) McLelland.
The family would like to thank all of the caregivers and hospice staff who went above and beyond to make his last days comfortable.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 18th, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston, 854 Washington St. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com A service will be held on Friday, September 19th at 10:00 a.m., followed by burial in Lakeview Cemetery in Wayland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, alz.org A Mass in Theo’s name will be said on Monday December 1st at 9:00 a.m. at Saint Mary’s Church in Holliston.
