Obituary of Joseph 'Smokey Joe' MacNeil

After an extended period of separation, he has finally been reunited with the love of his life. It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph 'Smokey Joe' MacNeil, 85, New Waterford, on March 2, 2016 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, after a short battle with cancer. Born in New Waterford, he was the son of the late Michael Daniel 'Smokey Mick' and Annie (Sutherland) MacNeil. Smokey Joe was employed with Devco for 40 years and was also a member of the New Waterford Volunteer Fire Department for many years. His loving wife, Isabelle MacNeil, predeceased him in July 1998. He is survived by two daughters, Jo-Ann (Gus) Peckham, New Waterford, Nancy (Joe) Peinsznski, Dutch Brook; two sons, Bob (Colleen), Kingston, Ont., Anthony (Theresa), Scarborough, Ont.; four brothers, Michael, Lonnie, Joseph, all of New Waterford, Billy, Ont.; three sisters, Annie (Mrs. Ken Camp), Moncton, N.B., Mary, Langley, B.C., Ursula (Mrs. John Kellar), Ottawa, Ont.; 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Besides his wife of 47 years, he was predeceased by three sons, Steve (2009), Michael (2001) and Raymond in infancy; one sister Catherine and one brother Raymond. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 6, 2016 from 6-9 p.m. at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. A funeral mass of celebration will take place Monday, March 7, at 10 a.m. in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, with Father Ray Huntley officiating. Burial will be in Mount Carmel Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at St. Leonard's Parish Hall, Convent Street, New Waterford. A special thank you to the doctors and nurses of 4D and Palliative Care unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, especially Ann Louise, for the care they gave Joe. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Hospice/ Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton or a charity of one's choice. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.