Obituary: Walter J. McNeil, Longtime North Reading Resident

Obituary from Croswell Funeral Home:

Walter J. McNeil, 89, of North Reading, formerly of East Boston, died at his home, surrounded by his family on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2014, after a lengthy illness.

Born in East Boston, MA on June 14, 1925, he was a graduate of East Boston High School, Class of 1943. Walter was a U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II; he served from 1943 to 1946. He worked as a truck driver for AAA Trucking and was a member of the Teamsters Local No. 25. He later worked for the North Reading Department of Public Works and did snowplowing until 2012.

He was a resident of North Reading for the past 65 years and was a member of St. Theresa’s Church. Walter was a loving husband and father. He adored all his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He always told funny stories, wise jokes and whistled a little tune.

He enjoyed horseback riding with his children, he enjoyed swimming and sitting by his pool, watching his neighbors and friends go by. Walter always enjoyed building things with his hands. Last but not least, snowplowing and collecting his navy hats.

Family members include his beloved wife of 66 years, Rita (Celino) McNeil; his loving children, Walter “Buster” McNeil, Jr. of St. Augustine, FL, Christine McNeil Wiese and her husband John and John McNeil and his wife Eileen, all of North Reading; Francis McNeil of Deland, FL and Patrick McNeil and his wife Shelby of North Andover; grandchildren, Linda, Michael, Christopher,, Kyle, Danielle, Kelly, Maria and Megan; great grandchildren, Christopher, Brooke, Gabriel and Nicholas; late brothers, George, Alfred, James and Charles “Spike” McNeil; late sisters, Mary Suprey and Rita Winter.

His funeral will be held from the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St. North Reading on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 8:45 a.m., followed by a 10:30 a.m. Funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter St. (Rt. 62), North Reading. Calling hours will be held on Friday, Oct. 31 from 4 to 8 p.m. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to: Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250.