McNEIL, Walter J. Passed on January 2, 2017. Age 92, longtime resident of Dedham. Beloved husband of 68 years to Elizabeth "Alice" (Stepasiuk) McNeil. Devoted father of Walter J. McNeil, Jr. of Danville, VT; Paula M. Moore and her husband Patrick of Dover, MA; and Carol A. McNeil and her husband Richard Hunt of Littleton, MA. Also survived by his grandchildren Andrew Harnett of Seattle, WA, Gregory Harnett of Boston, MA, and Valeria Moore of Hudson, MA; his great-granddaughter, Vanessa Moore; and many nieces and nephews.
Proud WWII Veteran, U.S. Navy, Submarine Service. Graduate of Northeastern University, with Bachelor’s and MBA degrees. Senior Electrical Engineer at Raytheon Co. for 29 years. Holder of several patents. Former volunteer for Dedham Council on Aging.
“Lucky Mac” was uncommonly devoted to his wife and family, and he loved the simple things in life like the Red Sox, the music of Patsy Cline, road trips, dancing, and a good joke. A voracious reader, he had the uncanny ability to tear through a novel in a few hours and remember every detail. His vegetable garden was as famous as his wit, and his storytelling was a constant source of entertainment and family lore. He loved to frequent flea markets and had an endearing soft spot for animals. Ever appreciative, never complaining, extraordinarily hard working, his favorite word was “marvelous,” and he led a life to match.
Visiting hours at the George F. Doherty & Sons Wilson-Cannon Funeral Home, 456 High St., DEDHAM, Thursday, Jan. 5 from 4-7pm. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Private funeral service in the funeral home Friday, Jan. 6 at 10am followed by interment in Forest Hills Cemetery, Boston. In lieu of flowers, donations in Walter’s name can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472.