Reverend John R. McNeil of Easton, formerly of Orlando Florida, died on December 31, at the age of 83. Beloved son of the late John and Mary (McArthur) McNeil. Cherished brother/brother-in-law of the late Mary and Charles Bickford. Loving uncle of the late John C. Bickford and James J. Bickford. Father John is survived by his nieces, Elizabeth Bickford of Wrentham and Maureen Bickford of Weymouth, his nephew Robert G. Bickford and his wife Pamela of Foxboro, and his nephew Thomas P. Bickford and his wife Wendy of Hanover. He is also survived by twelve great nephews and nieces, six great-great nieces and nephews, and many dear friends, both near and far.
Father John was born in Boston and attended St. Mary’s High School in Brookline before entering St. John’s Seminary, Brighton, in 1953. He was ordained at Holy Name Church, West Roxbury, in February 1961. Father John’s first assignment at St. Dorothy’s Church in Wilmington (1961-1967)was followed by two and a half years at St. James Parish in Haverhill. While at St. Dorothy’s, Father John had joined the Naval Reserve, and in 1970 he sought and was granted permission by the archdiocese to enlist full time as a chaplain in the United States Navy. He attributed his desire to join the Navy to the newsreels and serials of his youth, and rejoiced in the ability to combine his calling to serve God with the opportunity to serve his country. During a proud military career that spanned over 30 years, he rose to the rank of Captain, and was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Naval Unit Citation, 2 Meritorious Unit Citations, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Navy “E” Ribbon, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. During his years in the Navy, Father John travelled extensively, and served assignments in Japan, New Orleans, Washington D.C., Norfolk Virginia, and the Naval Training Center in Orlando Florida. Some of his fondest memories were from the three years he spent aboard the USS John F. Kennedy (a.k.a. “Big John”). Upon his retirement from the Navy in 1995, Father John was given permission by the Archdiocese of Boston to settle in Florida permanently, and continued to fill in at several local parishes, as needed. Ever since his early days serving as a ball boy for the Boston Celtics and riding his bicycle to Fenway Park in search of autographs, Father John was an avid fan of all Boston sports teams, most especially the Red Sox. He rarely missed a game, and took great pride and pleasure in their most recent World Series Title. At one time an avid golfer, he was fortunate enough to participate in a few pro-am tournaments, alongside his brother-in-law Charlie. Father John also possessed an intense love for animals throughout his life, rescuing numerous dogs and cats from animal shelters, and often taking home older pets that no one else wanted, giving them all the love and attention they needed. In his final years, Father John suffered from serious health issues, including Alzheimer’s Disease. He relocated to Massachusetts, where he lived out the remaining years of his journey surrounded by his family and friends, both old and new. To the end, he remained extremely grateful for the love and support of those closest to him.
A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 5 at 11:00 a.m., at Holy Name Church, 1689 Centre Street, West Roxbury. Friends and relatives are invited to attend a viewing from 10:00-11:00, at the church. Burial will be at Mt. Benedict Cemetery, 409 Corey Street West Roxbury, following the mass.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Father John’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association-MA/NH Chapter, 309 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham Mass. 02452