Leslie John "Les" McMullan

Leslie John McMullan, of Pompton Plains, NJ, formerly of North Brunswick, NJ, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025. He was 97.

Born and raised in Bergenfield, NJ, Leslie was the beloved son of Herbert and Elizabeth (née Koenig) McMullan. In 1949, he married the love of his life, Marguerite Diorio. Together they built a beautiful life and family, recently celebrating their remarkable 76th wedding anniversary on October 22.

Les proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Infantry Division during the Korean War, where he was a platoon leader and earned the rank of First Lieutenant. His dedication and integrity guided him throughout his life.

Hardworking and ambitious, Les began his career at Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, eventually managing his own store in New Brunswick. Later, he pursued a new path in finance, building a successful career as a certified financial planner and founding his own firm, Bottom Line Planning.

Beyond his professional life, Les was deeply active in his community and the organizations he loved. Camp K20 held a special place in his heart - a mountain retreat where he and his family spent every summer since 1967. The friendships formed there have endured for generations, creating bonds that remain strong to this day. He especially enjoyed the patio parties and sing-alongs with his friends from the Never Sweat Athletic Club. He served Camp K20 as Chairman of the Board for two terms and as treasurer for 15 years.

Les was also a proud member of the New Brunswick Elks Lodge, where he served as Exalted Ruler and delighted members each year by playing the organ at the annual Christmas party. Music was central to who he was; a classically trained pianist, Les could play anything from Beethoven to boogie-woogie, often filling family gatherings with his joyful melodies. His loved ones especially cherished his annual birthday phone calls, when he would sing "Happy Birthday" with warmth and his signature good humor.

Les was the life of the party - always quick with a song, a story, or a laugh that could fill the room. He was famous for coming up with silly, rhyming nicknames for everyone he knew. He had an easy charm and a generous spirit, always rooting for the underdog and quietly helping others succeed behind the scenes, never seeking recognition or praise.

A man of many interests, Les approached everything in life with unmistakable enthusiasm and competitive fire. He loved golf (even if the clubs occasionally paid the price), delighted in the patient craftsmanship of model trains, and took pride in his time in the kitchen perfecting his famous spinach soufflé. He cheered the New York Yankees with unwavering loyalty and poured his heart into coaching youth soccer with a blend of encouragement and spirited sideline energy.

Les will be remembered for his business expertise, humor, kindness, and his deep love of music - especially the piano melodies that so often filled his home - and for his unwavering devotion to family and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter that lives on through his family. Even his favorite pet, Herbie the cat, held a special place in his heart.

Les, lovingly known as Pop Pop to his grandchildren, is survived by his wife of 76 years, Marguerite; his children, Leslie Karon and her husband Mitch, Kathy Marshall and her husband Fred, James McMullan and his wife Laura, Patrick McMullan and his wife Christine, and Michael McMullan and his wife Jennifer; his grandchildren, Patrick Marshall and his wife Sarah, Lindsay Marshall and her fiancé Nicholas, Sean Marshall, Daniel Marshall, Olivia McMullan, Jake McMullan, Catherine McMullan, Sophia McMullan, Aidan McMullan, Lily McMullan, Hannah McMullan, and Michael Karon and his wife Alli; and his great-grandchildren, Sloane and Connor Karon.

Les was predeceased by his sisters, Kathleen and her husband Charles, and Muriel. He is survived by his nieces Jackie, Charlene, and Patty.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Cedar Crest Senior Living in Pompton Plains, New Jersey. Family and friends are invited to gather in the Chapel at Cedar Crest from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. for a Prayer and Share Service, followed by refreshments in the Community Center at Woodland Commons from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Leslie's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital would be greatly appreciated by his family.