Obituary: Longtime Community Member Dies

 provided the following information:

Roderick McNeill, Sr., of Brewster died Thursday in New Haven, CT.

Born in a little village in County Down in the North of Ireland, Rod was raised with small-town values that would follow him throughout his life. Emigrating from Ireland when just a teenager, he would begin hisAmerican life in New York City. Here for only a brief period Rod was drafted into the U.S. Army and would serve his new country during the Korean conflict.

Upon his return, he met and married the love of his life, Eileen Coatsworth. Together, they would move their growing family to Brewster in the early 1960s. In total Rod and Eileen would have a brood of six boys to raise and nourish. Very active in the community, Rod was a commander with the Boy Scouts, as well as a legendary figure with the , and he loved every minute of it.

A self-employed licensed plumber for over 40 years, Rod was always there for anyone in a time of need and it was a trade that served him well throughout the years. When not working during the warmer months, you could always find Rod toiling at his true passion, golf. Anywhere, anytime, anyplace and with anybody, Rod was ready for a game. Some of the greatest memories of Rod are out on the links with his sons and great friends such as Frank and Ed. It is a connection that will always be made to “The Old Man.” When not on the course, you would find Rod all over town, but most likely at , ushering a mass or serving up a corned beef dinner for the Knights of Columbus. He always had a smile and handshake for whomever he came in contact with. He will be greatly missed by his family and the entire community.

Rod was predeceased by his wife of over 40 years, Eileen, and his oldest on Rod, Jr. He is survived by his remaining sons: John (Christine), Patrick, Kevin, Michael (Teresa), and Brian (Christine). But more important to him were his grandchildren, whom he loved and adored. He will always be looking down upon Fallon, Brenna, Ean, Brian, Amanda, Aidan, Hailey, Brianna and Emily with love from above. They were the true lights of his life.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at St. Lawrence O’Toole Church. Interment following at St. Lawrence O’Toole Cemetery. Friends may call at the Beecher Funeral Home (located on Putnam Avenue in Brewster; (845)-279-3615; www.beecherfuneralhome.com) from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday and from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

We wish him well on his new journey and pray that the Lord will look kindly upon him and give him “two on the front and two on the back.” God speed Old Man.