James McLean

AKA:

Buddy

Birth Name:

James Joseph McLean

Birth Date:

January 26, 1930

Birth Place:

Somerville, Massachusetts

Death Date:

October 31, 1965

Place of Death:

Massachusetts General Hospital, Somerville, Massachusetts

Age:

Cause of Death:

Gunshot wounds

Cemetery Name:

Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum

Claim to Fame:

Crime and their Victims

Associates:

James "Buddy" McLean was a feared and respected Irish-American mobster from Somerville, Massachusetts, best known as the original leader of the Winter Hill Gang. Born in 1930, McLean rose through the ranks of Boston's underworld in the 1950s and early 1960s, earning a reputation as a tough street fighter and savvy criminal strategist. Under his leadership, the Winter Hill Gang became a dominant force in Boston’s organized crime scene, engaging in activities like bookmaking, loan sharking, and extortion. His criminal career reached a turning point when he became involved in a deadly turf war with the rival McLaughlin Brothers gang from Charlestown, igniting the Irish Gang War—a brutal series of killings that gripped Boston’s underworld. On October 30, 1965, McLean was gunned down outside a Somerville bar by a McLaughlin associate, Stevie Hughes, marking a pivotal moment in the gang war. His death further escalated the violence, but it also solidified his status as a legendary figure in Boston mob history. After his murder, Howie Winter took over the Winter Hill Gang, continuing the legacy McLean had started. His funeral attracted over 4,000 mourners and James McLean's final resting place can be found at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden, Massachusetts.

There’s more to the story …

Alexander “Bobo” Petricone and James “Buddy” McLean were suspects in the murder of Bernard McLaughlin, who was gunned down in broad daylight walking out of the Morning Glory bar in Charlestown on October 31, 1961. McLean was originally arrested along with Alex Petricone but the witness who picked them out later recanted and they were released. Alex Petricone, who was not a killer, said “I had to get out of the Boston area, so I flipped a coin and said, ‘Heads Miami, tails California,” Rocco told the Globe in 1989. “I was in my mid-20s and came out here with no training. Acting wasn’t even in my mind.” Petricone started taking acting lessons, changed his name to Alex Rocco and became an actor. One of his first roles was playing Moe Greene in the cinematic classic “The Godfather”.

Stevie and his brother Cornelius “Connie” Hughes were probably the most feared mobsters within Boston’s McLaughlin gang. Killing was their business and business was good. Stevie was responsible for the death of rival mob boss Buddy McLean, who was head of the Winter Hill gang. McLean’s death meant that the Hughes brothers were themselves marked for death. In May 1966 Connie was driving home when a car pulled up alongside him and opened fire, killing Hughes. In September 1966 Stevie was driving through Middleton when a car pulled up alongside and opened fire killing Stevie and his passenger. Joseph “The Animal” Barboza was responsible for killing both of the Hughes brothers.

Cemetery Information:

Final Resting Place:

Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum

175 Broadway

Malden, Massachusetts, 02148

USA

North America

Map:

Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden, Massachusetts

Grave Location:

Section North St. Anthony, Row 48, Grave 1 West

Grave Location Description

The cemetery is divided into two sections – Main office is in the original section and across Lynn Avenue is the newer section. Entering the newer section from Lynn Street, drive to the first intersect and make a left turn. Drive to the end and make a right turn. Count 11 headstones on your right and stop. On your left along the road you will see a memorial for “Rapoza” and “48” painted on the asphalt. Walk around to the other side and you will see the name James McLean near the bottom of the monument.

Grave Location GPS

42.428387, -71.030146

Visiting The Grave:

Photos:

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FAQ's

James McLean was born on January 26, 1930.

James McLean was born in Somerville, Massachusetts.

James McLean died on October 31, 1965.

James McLean died in Massachusetts General Hospital, Somerville, Massachusetts.

James McLean was 35.

The cause of death was Gunshot wounds.

James McLean's grave is in Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum

Videos Featuring James McLean:

Gangster Profile: James "Buddy" McLean the King of Winter Hill

What Boston was like before the 1960's Irish Gang War

Gangster Profile: Cornelius Hughs - Charlestowns feared Hughes brothers

Boston's Most Feared Irish Gangster

Growing Up With The Winter Hill Gang

Watch YouTube video titled On The Waterfront - Punchy McLaughlin & Buddy McLean

James McLean