Obituary of John Joseph MacNeil

John Joseph MacNeil New Waterford It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Joseph MacNeil, 66, of New Waterford on June 24, 2016. John passed away surrounded in a peaceful and loving presence with his family by his side. Originating from Irish Vale, he was the son of the late Tom and Josephine ‘Josie’ (Dunphy) MacNeil. He was a faithful member of St. Leonard Parish. John began his working career at the age of 16, his work ethic was inspiring for everyone and John loved his work at Nova Construction. He enjoyed sharing stories about his career. John was honored to receive a miracle, a successful kidney transplant of 23 years. He was a great storyteller, avid gardener, lover of fine foods and loved to support a fellow Cape Bretoner. His humble, kind, generous and faithful presence had a impact on all of those around him and his influence will be felt for generations. John will lovingly be remembered by Donna, his wife and best friend of 40 years, his daughter, Stacey Jean and son, John Michael (Alison). John is survived by his mother-in-law, Stasia MacSween, sisters, Anne McNamara, Wanda (Conrad) Burke and Alva MacNeil; brothers , Gerard (Wanda), Kevin (Patsy) and Gerry MacNeil. He was also survived by his second mother, Bev Fletcher (Harold), sisters-in-law, Danelle and Mary MacSween, Florence Leveck, Aloyse Palmater, Donna MacNeil and his brother-in-law, Pat Brasso. John spoke highly of friends, Jarianne Timmons, Danny McDonald and Linda Cusack along with extended family and special friends. John was predeceased by brothers, Donald and Jimmy MacNeil, his sister, Jean Brasso; brother-in-law, Val McNamara, sisters-in-law, Kaye Casey and Shirley MacNeil and his kidney donor, Tyler. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street New Waterford on Wednesday, June 29 from 5-8 p.m. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, June 30 at St. Leonard’s Church, New Waterford at 10 a.m. with Father Ray Huntley officiating. Reception to follow in the parish hall. Interment will take place after the reception in St. Michael's Cemetery, River Ryan. In lieu of flowers and in memory of John’s thoughtful and generous nature, donations can made to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Comfort Fund in c/o Tommy McNeil and his daughter, Stacey’s non-profit for those who experience economic difficulties, "The Backpack Campaign" can be made online at: http://www.stjohnpaul2collegiate.ca/Donate.php Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca "Where you go I'll tag along…Remember me, I'm the one who loves you" – Johnny Cash