Obituary for Paul Neeson
Paul Alexander Neeson, 85, of Millis, Massachusetts died on April 29, 2001. He was born on August 15, 1935 in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, the first of four children of Mary Florence Neeson and Adrian Paul Neeson. After graduating from high school Paul (or Mike as he was known to relatives in Pennsylvania) served in the U.S. Navy on the Battleship New Jersey. He was stationed throughout Europe during the Korean War. After serving he returned to Elizabeth, decided that life working in a steel mill wasn’t for him, and went on to get his bachelor’s degree at the University of Pittsburgh under the GI Bill. In addition to his undergraduate degree, Paul also attended Babson College in Wellesley where he studied for his MBA.
Paul moved to Boston in the early 1960’s where he met his wife Carol. They were married for 56 years, beginning their marriage in Arlington, Massachusetts where Carol grew up. They moved to Wayland in the 1970’s and lived there for many years. Paul truly enjoyed living in Wayland and, like his farming ancestors, he loved getting up early whether it be for a standing tee time at Sandy Burr, taking trips to the “store” or to have coffee with his many friends at Benson’s or later at Mel’s Restaurant. Paul and Carol moved to Millis about 20 years ago to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Paul is survived by his daughter, Michelle McDonough and her husband Stephen McDonough of Norfolk, three granddaughters, Lauren Jacobs and her fiance Sayer Beswick of Bellingham, Abigail and Emily McDonough of Norfolk as well as two great grandchildren, Scarlett Holtzman and Henry Beswick of Bellingham. Having been preceded in death by his sister, Ruth Finney of Elizabeth, Pennsylvania Paul is also survived by two brothers, John Neeson and Russell Neeson of Elizabeth, Pennsylvania as well as eight nieces and nephews.
For over 55 years Paul enjoyed a very successful career that he truly loved, working as a property and casualty insurance broker. He began his insurance career at Carroon and Black (now Willis Towers Watson) in Boston, and went on to work for many years at Carlin Insurance in Natick, eventually retiring from Deland Gibson in Wellesley. In addition to his insurance career Paul was driven by his religious faith as well as a desire to give back to his community. Throughout the years Paul served on numerous boards and charities both in and outside of his church and enjoyed singing at local nursing homes with the Golden Tones after his retirement. He had a calm demeanor, was always friendly to everyone he met, and liked to spend time not only helping the underserved but also using his practical view of the world for greater good. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, watching the Pitt Panthers, Pittsburgh’s Steelers and the Red Sox, as well as being physically active. Whether he was golfing at Sandy Burr or just walking through his neighborhood, he continually challenged himself to stay fit and get his steps in even during his later years and despite his failing health.
Services will be held on Tuesday, May 4th at The Henry J. Burke Funeral Home in Wellesley, Massachusetts from 4-7 pm.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Operation Gratitude https://www.operationgratitude.com
Paul moved to Boston in the early 1960’s where he met his wife Carol. They were married for 56 years, beginning their marriage in Arlington, Massachusetts where Carol grew up. They moved to Wayland in the 1970’s and lived there for many years. Paul truly enjoyed living in Wayland and, like his farming ancestors, he loved getting up early whether it be for a standing tee time at Sandy Burr, taking trips to the “store” or to have coffee with his many friends at Benson’s or later at Mel’s Restaurant. Paul and Carol moved to Millis about 20 years ago to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Paul is survived by his daughter, Michelle McDonough and her husband Stephen McDonough of Norfolk, three granddaughters, Lauren Jacobs and her fiance Sayer Beswick of Bellingham, Abigail and Emily McDonough of Norfolk as well as two great grandchildren, Scarlett Holtzman and Henry Beswick of Bellingham. Having been preceded in death by his sister, Ruth Finney of Elizabeth, Pennsylvania Paul is also survived by two brothers, John Neeson and Russell Neeson of Elizabeth, Pennsylvania as well as eight nieces and nephews.
For over 55 years Paul enjoyed a very successful career that he truly loved, working as a property and casualty insurance broker. He began his insurance career at Carroon and Black (now Willis Towers Watson) in Boston, and went on to work for many years at Carlin Insurance in Natick, eventually retiring from Deland Gibson in Wellesley. In addition to his insurance career Paul was driven by his religious faith as well as a desire to give back to his community. Throughout the years Paul served on numerous boards and charities both in and outside of his church and enjoyed singing at local nursing homes with the Golden Tones after his retirement. He had a calm demeanor, was always friendly to everyone he met, and liked to spend time not only helping the underserved but also using his practical view of the world for greater good. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, watching the Pitt Panthers, Pittsburgh’s Steelers and the Red Sox, as well as being physically active. Whether he was golfing at Sandy Burr or just walking through his neighborhood, he continually challenged himself to stay fit and get his steps in even during his later years and despite his failing health.
Services will be held on Tuesday, May 4th at The Henry J. Burke Funeral Home in Wellesley, Massachusetts from 4-7 pm.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Operation Gratitude https://www.operationgratitude.com