Joseph H. McNiff

Joseph H. McNiff
Well known local business man

CHELMSFORD -- Joseph H. McNiff, of Chelmsford, formerly of the Highland Section of Lowell, died peacefully on March 25th at his home, surrounded by his family. He fought cancer bravely and courageously for seven years.

He was the beloved husband of Maureen (Shanahan) McNiff for 46 years.

Born in Lowell, September 21, 1941, the son of the late Thomas and the late Elizabeth (Scully) McNiff, he attended St. Margaret's Grammar School, Keith Academy, and Bentley College where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting, Suffolk University with a Master of Business Administration Licensed to practice before the I.R.S. as an Enrolled Revenue Agent and a licensed Realtor.

Joe started his career as a teacher at the Bartlett School and later moved to Lowell High School. While at the High School, Joe was an assistant Varsity Basketball Coach and Junior Varsity Basketball Coach. During these years, the high school basketball team reached State Tournament Competition level and his Junior Varsity team maintained a winning record for four years, and was undefeated in the Essex County League for a year. While coaching, he developed a life lasting friendship with his players.

Also, Joe coached teams on various YMCA's and Boys Club Tournaments. He also served on the coaching staff at KC Jones Basketball Camp. Joe was a co-founder of the first intramural basketball team at Bentley College.

Eventually Joe resigned his teaching position to accept a job as a Probation Officer. He enjoyed speaking to juveniles' parents in public at schools in order to counsel and motivate them to live a more disciplined and productive life.

Finally, Joe started his own company, Joseph H. McNiff Computer Payroll, Bookkeeping, and Tax Services. He also was a property manager of condominiums associations.

Joe was a member of the Mt. Pleasant Golf Club where he was the Treasurer for 11 years. Joe's favorite pastime was playing golf. He was a social member of Long Meadow Golf Club where he enjoyed playing cards with his friends.

Joe also represented Mt. Pleasant in the Lowell City Golf Tournament. Joe was an avid runner; he completed the Boston and other Marathons.

In addition to his wife, Maureen, Joe is survived by a son, Joseph L. McNiff and his wife, Kathleen (Schraven) McNiff; a step-granddaughter, Carly; sisters-in-law, Shelagh McEvoy and her husband, Richard, Eileen Haley and her husband, Jim, Nancy Shanahan and Sheila Lasley and her husband, John; brothers-in-law, Thomas Shanahan and his wife, Marybeth, John Shanahan, and Patrick Shanahan and his wife, Marybeth; many nieces and nephews whom he loved very much; many grandnieces and grandnephews; and his special Godchild, Elizabeth Nicholas.

He was also the brother of the late Thomas McNiff.

McNIFF -- In Chelmsford, March 25, 2013, at home, Joseph H. McNiff, husband of Maureen (Shanahan) McNiff. Friends may call the O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. at Fletcher from 4 to 8 P.M. on Monday. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass to be celebrated Tuesday morning at ST. PATRICK CHURCH in Lowell at 11 o'clock. Burial in St. Mary Cemetery. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to St. Patrick Church Building Fund, 282 Suffolk Street, Lowell, MA 01854. Arrangements by Funeral Directors James F, O'Donnell, Jr. and John W. Crane (978 or 866) 458-8768.