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WILLIAM MACNEILL Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM MACNEILL
John kinchla
May 27, 2025
I would not be where I am today if not for Bill MacNeill. Bill taught me important lessons about fairness, hard work, friendship and teamwork. He was an amazing friend, who taught me to not curse the darkness but embrace my life and seek solutions. Bill wasn't warm and fuzzy. He was interested in results and that was fine with me. I earned but he also rewarded me with my first big break in sport. His belief and confidence in me have energized and fueled me my entire life. This is how I remember and honor Bill. He is always in my thoughts.
John K
May 25, 2024
I remember being told that Bill ran the Boston Marathon as a High School student at Boston Technical.
Back then the Boston Marathon didn't have the 30,000 participants that it does today, more likely 600-700 participants. But the 600-700 were hard-core runners. These were people that trained year round and likely most days were laughed at for running in their "underwear". Regardless on Patriot's Day, they ran from Hopkinton to Boston preserving the tradition of the World's oldest and greatest marathon.
I have always envied Bill for his participation. This one challenge speaks to who Bill was. I loved Bill for his independence. He never went looking for followers or admirers. He didn't need to. His actions always spoke louder than his words. I miss him, but I am hopeful that his spirit is still transmitting. I won't forget my friend, mentor, teacher and coach and I will always love him.
John
May 27, 2022
It's not possible for me to celebrate Memorial day without thinking about Bill MacNeill and President John F Kennedy's 105th Birthday. All that I have learned about meritocracy, fair play, equality, courage and country, I learned from Bill. He demonstrated to me that if I worked hard and I achieved then I should have faith and confidence in myself. That it was OK to be proud of myself without conceit. That it was OK to try hard and to be excellent. He was a kind and courageous man and he recognized and appreciated conviction and determination. To have Bill for a teacher and a coach in life was a blessing.
John K
May 24, 2021
When Memorial Day arrives. I know it is time to remember my friend Bill. Bill taught me three lessons in particular. 1. Friends are the people most committed to a goal. 2. Discipline can defeat injustice. 3. Never quit. I had the pleasure of being with Bill for many hours in High School and College. He was a great mentor, teacher and coach. I know of no finer men than my Dad and Bill MacNeill.
John K
November 15, 2020
November arrives and I think about the impact that Bill had on my life. Particularly now in an (this) election year. I think about the good things I learned from Bill and all the ways that I sought to emulate him. Bill was always eminently fair. He was also the truest of true patriots. And willing to back up his words with action(s). Bill was dedicated, trustworthy and cared about people. To have Bill on my side was a great honor for me
John Kinchla
May 31, 2020
JFK once said that the definition of happiness as defined by the Greeks was "The full use of your powers along the lines of excellence". Bill was someone that sought for excellence in all his students. I was a young sophomore in the Fall of 1963 and Bill was my government teacher and my X Country coach. After JFK's assassination, we all looked for the meaning in such a tragic event. Bill was as shaken as all of us, but like the North star there was a path in Bill's head back towards happiness. It was a re-dedication to excellence. Excellence in behavior,in our studies and in our athletic performance. I'll never forget his instruction in government. He made us understand that fairness was essential within government. RIP Bill John K
John Kinchla
May 24, 2020
An email from Legacy.com reminded me that the 6th anniversary of Bill's death was soon. I hadn't forgotten since I pair Bill with President Kennedy whose birthday is also Memorial Day weekend. Bill was my History teacher and X-Country Coach on November 22,1963. His faith in me and later his trust and friendship became huge motivators in my life. When other men faltered Bill surged and persevered. He was then and still remains a role model for me. I was very fortunate to have him for a friend for 50 years.
May 24, 2019
For many years Bill MacNeill was instrumental in my life. I would see him often at the Stop and Shop in Cohasset usually there for two gallons of milk. I would have to smile and slyly think...."now Bill you know what it is to be one of many... the father of nine or more children"... I had lost count... like my Father, Bill was a patriarch of 11/12 and a rock. I can't add words to Bill's legacy, no one can. To count Bill as a dear friend and a role model is legacy enough for me. Thank you Bill for all/everything you did for me.
March 10, 2018
Recently I was thinking of a woman lawyer friend who was assasinated in Iraq the day after International Womens Day (March 9,2004). That thought caused me also to think of Bill. When I think about the fine,noble,wonderful and brave people I have known in my life, Bill rates Number 1 among the men. It's been almost 4 years that Bill's been gone but in my mind he is timeless. He is still part of my life.
I was once told by a friend that I had an "over developed sense of justice" I didn't know what that meant at the time, but if I do have such a sense of justice it is due in large part to what I learned from my teacher, coach, mentor and friend Bill MacNeill. I love you Bill. I can't think of any man better than you or a better friend John K
July 19, 2014
Please accept our tardy condolences as we just learned of your loss of Bill. There are no adequate words except that, Bill is now pain free and in God's loving arms, loving and watching over his beloved family from Heaven. I hope you find comfort in, with the grace of God, the promise of being reunited one day.
With heartfelt sympathy and love,
Joanne, Bruce, Philip, Matthew, Derek & Kirsten Layton
(Joanne is Florence Shaffer Swanson's daughter. She and Philip visited when we searched for Julia Monks Flynn's grave)
June 8, 2014
Bill was always penetrating, direct and kind. We all loved him because he was the kind of person we all aspired to be. He was my teacher then coach then mentor and friend. He lead always by example. He was fearless.
Bob Montgomery
June 7, 2014
I am a 1966 alum. Bill was my history teacher ('64-65). There were teachers and mentors who I remember always-- Bill is one. I recall some of the Hx lectures. But 2 life lessons stand out: After 4th qtr grades he told us, "If failing a course is the WORST thing that ever happens in your life and you need to go to summer school, you will be very fortunate!" And 2nd-- After overhearing students ridiculing people who suffered "nervous breakdowns" and ended up at "Mattapan," he spoke about the capacity of the world of our experience to overwhelm people-- often, the most sensitive and compassionate among us." Each of these short statements remains with me to this day. Bill spoke with the voice not only of moral authority, but of compassion for our fellows. That voice has stuck with me after 50 years. Rest in Peace, Bill.
Jim Linnehan
June 6, 2014
Condolences to all his loved ones.
Jessica Lamana
June 2, 2014
Carol,
Very sorry to hear the loss of your husband. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
June 2, 2014
LISA
So very sorry for your loss. my thoughts and prayers are with you at this hard time
Deirdre Brady Wigmore- Hingham
June 2, 2014
Thoughts and prayers are with Carol and family. Bill was a wonderful guy.hold fast to happy memories
Martha (Callahan) Flinter
Marie Kashner
June 1, 2014
Carole and family,
Please accept my sincere condolences at Bill's passing. He was such a great guy! Always a gentleman, but with a wicked sense of humor. He will be missed.
I would be remiss if I did not mention how much he was loved by my mother, Ann and admired by my Dad, John. They would want you to know how much Bill meant to them.
May you all find peace and comfort in knowing how much Bill was loved.
Marie (McCarthy) Kashner
May 31, 2014
Bill had standards and values. If you worked at the task, you gained Bill's respect. When I finally began to think of Bill as my friend I also resolved to make every effort to be a better man. That was the effect that Bill had on my life. If you desired to be Bill's friend that also meant you needed to remain respectful, work hard and remain humble. His friendship was a treasure that I didn't entirely deserve but Bill was a generous and wonderful friend.
Carole Reynolds Iorio
May 30, 2014
I will always remember Bill, as a wonderful and caring gentlemen. I have known Bill since the 1960's when I started work at the school. Cherish all the wonderful memories,Carol, that you and your family have. May God Bless you all, and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Carole
Steve Lilly - Waterlilly
May 30, 2014
To all the MacNeills, my thoughts and prayers go out to you all for your loss.
Lester (Chuggy) Gammon
May 30, 2014
Very sorry to learn this news. I lost track of the MacNeill family after Blueberry Lane days, but have often thought about that wonderful family. Mr MacNeill was a superb neighbor and always had time to talk a little history with me, and patiently put up with our mischief. Please accept my true and sincere condolences.
Chris Standring
May 30, 2014
Bill was one of the few GOOD men that I have ever known. I had the privilege of working for him during the 1980s. I learned priceless lessons from his wise counsel, patient guidance and quiet example. I have always and will always think of him with gratitude, love and respect. Carol, I pray that you and the family take comfort in knowing that he is with God. Chris Standring, BCH '65
Donald A. MacMillan, SJ
May 30, 2014
It was an honor and blessing to have had Bill as my high school history teacher, then as boss and mentor in the Alumni and Development Office at BC High. My sincere condolences to Carol and all the family. A.M.D.G.
May 30, 2014
my thoughts and prayers are with you all,
The Sheehans
Michael and Walter Sullivan
May 30, 2014
To the McNeill Family:
Please accept our deepest sympathies. Mr McNeill's efforts and attributes made a significant impact on the many young men that attended BC High. He was living the Jesuit tradition of men for others.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Michael and Walter Sullivan
BC High 78
May 29, 2014
So sad to hear the news of this wonderful mans passing. The Sheas and MacNeills certainly shared a lot of history that included fun and lots of laughs. Rest in peace Bill.
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