John Daniel Neville

GARDNER - John Daniel Neville, 98 of 66 Glenwood Street, Gardner, passed away Monday, May 9, 2011 at the Legend Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Gardner, after a short illness. John was born in Malden, MA on August 17, 1912, the son of the late Maurice and Elizabeth (Kelley) Neville. He was raised and educated in Woburn, MA, and later received an Associate of Science degree from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture, of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He resided in Gardner for over seventy-one years. John served in the Massachusetts National Guard in the 1930's and the United States Navy during World War II from 1943 to 1945 aboard the USS Charles Carroll of Florida. While in the military, he received the World War II Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal and Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Medal. After returning from the Navy, he worked as a Sales Representative for the Wirthmore- Potter Grain Store, in Gardner. He was later hired as one of Mount Wachusett Community Colleges first employees, located in the Gardner Armory, and remained with the college through their growth to their current location on Green Street in Gardner. John worked for MWCC until his retirement in 1980. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the South Gardner Historical Society and the oldest member of the Gardner Lodge of Elks. He was an avid reader and history buff who enjoyed traveling and watching the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. He also had a great love of horses. John leaves two daughters, Claire Devoe of Gardner and Maureen Neville of Rutland; five grandchildren, Robert Devoe and his wife Phyllis of Gardner, Kathleen Sylvester and her husband David of Fitzwilliam, NH, Donna Wickman-Lawrence of Gardner, Suzanne Dunphy and her husband Michael of Hubbardston, Renee Boucher and her husband Bobby of Ashburnham; seven great grandchildren, Andrew Devoe of Gardner, Matthew Devoe of Gardner, Christopher Wickman of Gardner, Brittney Lawrence of Gardner, Elise and Brielle Boucher of Ashburnham, Tess Dunphy of Hubbardston; also many nieces and nephews. In addition to his family, John will be sadly missed by his very special "Gazebo" friends. He was predeceased by his wife of sixty-four years, Claire M. (Watt) Neville, on February 3, 2005; and by two sisters, Marion DePippo and Elizabeth Mahoney. Calling hours will be held Friday, May 13, 2011 from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. at the Mack Funeral Home, 91 Vernon Street, Gardner. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, May 13, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church, 166 Cross St., Gardner. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery, Gardner. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center, 268 Central St # A Gardner, MA 01440, or The Gardner Community Action Committee, Inc. 294 Pleasant Street, Gardner, MA 01440. $(document).ready(function(){ });