Frank McNeill Jr., 92, of Winchester and Yarmouth, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family. Frank was born in Somerville, the youngest of six children born to Frank and Jessie May (Elliott) McNeill. After graduation from Somerville High School, Frank enlisted and proudly served his country performing active service as a “Seabee” (Construction Battalion) in the Navy during WWII. He did what the Seabees were best known for, build and fight. Frank earned several medals for his service, including the World War II Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal, and the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Medal. Upon his return he soon married his childhood sweetheart, Ellen Marie Crimmins, who grew up across the street. They married on New Year’s Eve of 1949 and shared nearly fifty years of a marriage full of family, friends, travel and much love and laughter, until Ellen’s passing in 1999. Frank started his career as a union plasterer prior to starting his own business, “Quality Plastering” in which he specialized in artisan plastering, working everywhere from occupied residences to ornate detail work in the Wang Theatre and the Massachusetts State House. Upon “retirement”, Frank’s second career was to own and operate Lilac Hill Acres Bed and Breakfast of Jaffrey, New Hampshire. While Ellen prepared lavish country breakfasts, Frank worked the farm, tended to the many animals, and entertained guests from all over the world with his stories and keen sense of humor. After Ellen’s passing Frank returned full time back to Stoneham and Winchester to be closer to his children and grandchildren. He eventually would spend summers “down the Cape” to enjoy the sun and his porch.
Frank is survived by his four children; Jacqulyn McNeill, Esq., Frank (Margie) McNeill, Wayne (Doreen) McNeill and Linda (Tony) Trofimow. Frank was a beloved Papa to his grandchildren; Kelley (Alan) Garson, Dr. Erin (Dan Robinson) McNeill, Alicia McNeill, Mark McNeill, Andrew Trofimow, Noah Trofimow and Nathaniel Trofimow. He was also a proud great grandfather to Emily and Molly Garson and Callum Robinson. Frank was predeceased by his siblings; Eugene, Aretta, Elliott and Donald. He is survived by his sister Muriel (McCutcheon) Daly. Frank is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Frank will be remembered as a true gentleman with a terrific sense of humor. He was always full of life and loved to party well into his “golden years”. To those that knew him best, Frank was also a sensitive romantic, known to host picnics or candlelight dinners. He and his wife Ellen loved entertaining their family and friends, and were always ready to have an adventure. In his later years, Frank took up cooking and would delight in preparing meals for his family and friends. Frank continued to enjoy travel, music, dining out, and “googling” current events on his smartphone. He was able to have a conversation about any topic. Most of all Frank loved his family, friends, pets and fun in any form. No one was a stranger to Frank. In his later years Frank could be found on the front porch of his Yarmouth home greeting all those that passed by to stop in for a drink and some conversation.
At Frank’s request there are no calling hours. Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate his life at his Funeral Service, at the First Baptist Church of Winchester, 90 Mount Vernon St, Winchester, Saturday, February 9th at 11a.m. Services will conclude with a burial in Wildwood Cemetery, Winchester. Remembrances may be made in Frank's honor to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at www2.jdrf.org, or JDRF 26 Broadway 14th floor, New York, N.Y. 10004.