Bruce J. McNeil

Bruce Jerome McNeil, 75, of Cary, passed away on June 26, 2024. He was born on March 23, 1949, in Grand Rapids, MI, to Neil and Donna (nee Hooksma) McNeil. Bruce proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war with the 101st Airborne Infantry Division as a radio operator. 

Bruce grew up in MI where he and his family moved frequently before making their way to Palatine, Illinois. He was lucky enough to be able to visit numerous state parks with his father and brothers growing up. He was in scouts, enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and bowling. He was a member of men’s group playing poker for years. He also enjoyed going to concerts and small music venues. 

 He met his future wife Cindie Reeves through his brother Ken in 1978 and their first date was at Harry Hopes (a small concert venue) in Cary where they saw Steve Goodman. Bruce and Cindie then married in 1982 settling in Palatine. In 1989, and for the last 35 years, they raised their son and daughter in the family home they built in Cary. 

Bruce was a very hard working painter who made it look so easy and effortless even joking that he was an artist. He was a part of the Painters Local #194 for more than 30 years and was able to retire in 2011. He continued to work for himself for several years after retirement. Bruce was a family man with a strong sense of values and a great provider, so much so, some questioned for years whether Cindie and the kids even had a husband/father. He seemed to always be working setting a very strong work ethic in his children. 

Bruce was a passionate collector of sports cards for years, knowing every card store or card show in the area. He also loved quiet rides on his motorcycle riding alone or with friends. He was able to make numerous trips on the bike with Cindie, so many cherished memories. He was involved in the Indian Guides program with both his son and his daughter which was such a fun experience for them all. They made a few great lifelong friends through that experience. He enjoyed monthly game nights with Cindie, along with the core 5, (some truly great friends) for more than a decade. 

Bruce is survived by his wife of 42 years, Cindie; his son, Nicholas McNeil; his daughter, Megan (Brian Nettleingham) McNeil; his siblings, William (Dawn) McNeil, Alan (the late Carole) McNeil, Mary (Michael) Bavier, Donald (Connie) McNeil, Kenneth (Kathy) McNeil, Susan (Mike) Robins, and Nancy (Todd) Netherton, along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Neil and Donna.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, July 11 at Galati’s Hideaway in Cary beginning with a memorial service at 12:30pm followed by lunch.  

On Wednesday, July 10, Bruce’s urn will be buried along with military honors at 1:30pm at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL.