Shrewsbury – Stephen Walter McNeil, 74, of Shrewsbury, died Jan. 2, 2019 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of 51 years of Virginia “Ginny” (Feuerestein) McNeil.
A longtime resident of Shrewsbury, he was born in Worcester, the youngest of three boys of John J. and Rose (Foisy) McNeil.
Stephen was a graduate of Shrewsbury High School, class of 1962, where he served as captain of the basketball team. Following graduation, he joined the United States Marine Corps where he served on the USS Newport News Detachment from 1962 to 1967. Once honorably discharged from his military service, he lived in Virginia where he met Ginny. The couple married and relocated to Shrewsbury where he served as a Shrewsbury Police Officer for more than 30 years, retiring in 2005.
In addition to his wife Virginia, he is survived by his three children, Stephen McNeil and his wife Susan of Walpole, Brian G. McNeil and his wife Heather of North Marshfield, and Michele R. Wiseman and her husband Roger of Shrewsbury; his brother, William F. McNeil of North Brookfield; and many nieces and nephews. He was the Papa to seven grandchildren whom he loved so much, Meghan, Alea, Emilia, Morgan, Mari, Isla, and Quinlan. He was predeceased by his brother John D. McNeil of Worcester.
Stephen proudly served both his country and community and he will be fondly remembered by his family and friends for never being without a joke and for his carefree grin.
His funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, Jan. 8, at 11 a.m., at St. Anne’s Church, 130 Boston Tpke., Shrewsbury. Burial will be held in private at his family’s request.
Donation in his memory may be made to the Shrewsbury Police Patrol Officers NEPBA Local 191, P.O. Box 4241, Turnpike Station, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.
