Obituary of Gregory Joseph MacNeil, Dominion

With heavy hearts we the family of Gregory Joseph MacNeil regret to announce his passing April 16, 2024, at Taigh Na Mara care facility.           

Greg was born in South Bar May 4 1925 to the late Daniel Hector MacNeil and Irene (MacGillivray) MacNeil.

Dad was veteran of WWll where he served as a radio operator.  After the war he worked 44 years at CFS Sydney, the former radar base. Where he met our mom. Possessing a very strong work ethic “retirement” for Grampie meant another !5 years with the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires. Finally at age 84 he decided “to get dressed up and stay dressed up.”

As a long-time resident of Dominion, he was a member of St Eugene' church. Greg sat multiple terms on Parish Council, LOC Hall committee and men’s club. His involvement in the The St Vincent de Paul Society was his priority.  He saw the importance of recruiting volunteers as well as donations and worked tirelessly helping those in need. Greg also sat decades on the Board for Dominion Credit Union. In Later years several terms on the Board of Branch 78 Royal Canadian Legion. Dad received multiple awards and honors for his involvement in community affairs, the most recent: A fly over salute from a Canadian Military Aura aircraft.

As well as his parents, our dad was predeceased by his wife of 55 years Emmeline. His son Neil Kennedy, daughter Barbara Hall and son in law Edward Hall, son Maurice ‘Pope’ Kennedy, sisters Marie Ratchford, Edna LeBlanc, Theresa Bell and brother Bernard MacNeil.  Also, family friend Mary LeBlanc.

Known with great affection as Greg, Da, Dad, Grampie, Gramps and Grumpis was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by; Daughters Monica (Mickey) McNeil and Debbie Parlee. Sons Mike (Loraine) Kennedy and Allan MacNeil. Daughter in law Bernadine Kennedy. Grandchildren; Michael (Tina) Hall, Sandra (Scott) Johnson, Michele McNeil (Mark Teeter), Justin Parlee, Kelly (Peter) Takacs, Liam MacPherson. Great Grandchildren Kennedy Johnson, Xavier Johnson, Dustin Hall, Carol Lya Hall, Emily Teeter, Elizabeth Takacs, Raylan Takacs. Great Great grandchildren Jade Hall, Aubrey Hall and sister Eunice Michalsky.  As well as many caring nieces, nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews.

In lieu of flowers please donate to your local food bank or charity of your choice.

We’d like to thank everyone from the Taigh Na Mara long term care facility for making our dad safe, secure, welcome and cared for in his final years. Under extraordinary circumstances. Also, our sister Monica whose unwavering caring and attentiveness added years to both our parent’s lives.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 18^th from 3-7 p.m. in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve Street, Glace Bay. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, April 19^th at 2 pm in Immaculate Conception Church, Bridgeport with Fr. Dan Boudreau officiating. A reception will follow at Branch 78 Legion, Dominion.

On line condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca