SPENCER: Paul Joseph McNeil, 64, of Chestnut Street died Tuesday, Nov. 25 in Rose Monahan Hospice after succumbing to melanoma.
He leaves his wife of 41 years; Claudia A. (Ciocys) McNeil, six sons; James Peter McNeil and his wife Shannon of North Easton, MA, Matthew H. McNeil and his wife Jessica Moore of Phippsburg, Maine, T. Dominic McNeil of Spencer, Benjamin P.H. McNeil and his wife Ruth of Mercersburg, PA, Paul Martin McNeil and his wife Alysa Austin of Easthampton, MA & Charles W.H. McNeil of Los Angeles, CA, two daughters; Mary Brigitte Hampton of Spencer and Jane Frances McNeil-McKeag and her husband James of Worcester, a brother Neil C. McNeil and his wife Bonnie of Whitinsville, two sisters Mary Potty and her husband David of Whitinsville and Joanne Shaw and her husband Steven of Whitinsville, nine grandchildren; Samuel Hampton, III; Thomas Manny, Finnegan & Everett McNeil; Ian & Adelaide Claire McKeag; Garrett & Coen Paul McNeil and Sullivan James McNeil, and several nieces and nephews. Mr. McNeil was a father figure to others, including the many friends of his children.
Mr. McNeil was born in Whitinsville, son of Charles Henry and Helen (Moran) McNeil. He graduated from Milford High School where he was a star athlete and later Providence College. He owned and operated McNeil Associates. He was a longtime peace activist and was a published writer of poetry and short stories. He was a member of Agape Peace Community & Sakonnet Peace Alliance. He was a co-founder of the Spencer Peace Symposium. He was involved with the Catholic Worker and always tried to lend a helping hand to the homeless. He was a dedicated New England sports fan and always enjoyed watching his children playing on sports teams. He always supported his children in the arts and was an excellent teacher. He was a member of Mary, Queen of the Rosary Parish and often attended Masses at St. Joseph’s Abbey.
A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, Nov. 29 at 11:00 AM in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 7 Church Street, Spencer. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Williston Northampton Scholarship Fund, 19 Payson Avenue, Easthampton, MA 01027 or the Mary, Queen of the Rosary Food Pantry, 60 Maple Street, Spencer, MA 01562. J. HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer is directing arrangements.