John J. McNeil Jr

John Joseph McNeil, Jr 86 of Waltham, formerly of Newton and York, Maine passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 26 after a battle with cancer.  

John was born Feb. 13, 1940, in Boston, MA, the proud first child of the late John and Margaret I. (MacEachern) McNeil. 

John graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1957.  He attended Boston College and Boston University before enlisting in the army where he served in Germany and was an appointee for OCS.

Upon leaving the army he worked for Channel 7 in the production and news department and for over 35 years he directed the news, sports, commercials, talk and public affairs programs. During his time at Channel Seven he won 5 Emmys and 2 AP Awards. He had many stories about the famous people he interacted with at the television station.

From 1946 until his death John spent his summers in York, Maine.   First at Libby’s Oceanside Trailer Park then at the family home on Ocean Ave Ext.   Upon his retirement since the family home had been sold, John returned to Libby’s where he spent the last 25 summers.  York was always first in his heart, and he had many friends there.

John was very proud of his Scottish heritage and his family’s background in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia.  Over his lifetime he went back to Cape Breton to visit family that still lived there many times. John had so many happy memories of his childhood days on his grandfather’s farm there.  He also visited Scotland and learned more about his ancestors.

John is survived by his daughter, Loren Umenhofer and her husband Robert of Milford, his son Scott McNeil and his wife Shannon of South Dartmouth and three granddaughters, Katherine Umenhofer, Nora McNeil and Kenna McNeil, He also leaves behind his longtime  partner, Linda Rennie, as well as  many  beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

He was predeceased by his ex-wife, and mother of his children and friend, Joan Morris 

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 11 am in the First Baptist Church, 22 Mechanic St., Marlborough, MA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a Memorial Donation in John’s name to, Veteran’s Inc., 69 Grove St., Worcester, MA 01605

A private burial will be held at a later date.

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