In Memoriam: Longtime Red Bank and Little Silver Resident, Jack McNeil, 91

Longtime Red Bank and Little Silver resident, John Francis “Jack” McNeil passed away on Dec. 10. He was 91.

Having lived his entire life in the Red Bank area, Jack attended St. James Elementary School and was a Red Bank Catholic High School (RBC) graduate. He graduated from St. Peters College, Jersey City, with a bachelor of science degree in marketing. He had a long career in the industry working for Marsh and McLennan, John Hancock, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Donald Smith Associates and Union Labor Life Insurance Company. After his retirement, Jack worked for Arrow Limousine, John Zollner class rings and Realty Appraisal Company.

After marrying his wife of 53 years in 1961 in Brooklyn, NY, the couple settled back in Red Bank and eventually Little Silver, where they raised their family “in a wonderful neighborhood, where they met many people who would remain lifelong friends.”

“Jack will be remembered for his friendliness, his kindness, and his sense of humor. He formed many bonds in Red Bank, Little Silver and beyond. He was a social member of the Little Silver Fire Department. Jack was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Briody Bunch. He loved spending time at first Surfrider Beach Club and then Peninsula House Beach Club in Sea Bright. He always enjoyed watching his children compete on the clubs’ swim teams. Jack’s greatest loves were his beloved wife of 53 years and his four children.”
Loved ones of Jack McNeil in his obituary

Jack enjoyed sports all of his life. He became a passionate fan of the Knicks, Mets and New York Giants. Jack played football, basketball and baseball and lettered in all 3 sports for the RBC Caseys. He continued his love of sports by playing softball with Sal’s Tavern, The Knights of Columbus and The Tribe of Little Silver. Jack also developed a fondness for golf and enjoyed playing with his friends at local county courses. He traveled with members of the Little Silver Fire Department for yearly golf trips to Florida.

“Jack was active in coaching his children in basketball at St James elementary and baseball at the fields in Little Silver. His greatest coaching accomplishment was taking the Mighty Cougars to an unlikely Cap League Championship, having his daughter and his youngest son playing together on that team. Jack supported his children in their activities at Red Bank Regional. He became a Buccaneer fan, attending many school events throughout the years. He was a proud father when three of his children married and he eventually became a Pop Pop to his beloved grandchildren. Of course, he would follow them in their endeavors and in sports. Jack loved traveling with family and friends …

“The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the nurses, aides and staff at Imperial Healthcare for their fine care of Jack during his final year.”

Jack was predeceased by: his wife Carol; his parents, John and Bertha McNeil; his sister, Eileen Linzmayer; his nephew, Frank Linzmayer Jr.; and his brother-in-law, Richard Dempsey.

He is survived by: his children, John, Jr., Susan Altomare and husband Leonard, Mary Beth Durham and husband Edward, Christopher and wife Jeanine; grandchildren, Andrew, Matthew and Jake Altomare, Zachary Durham and wife Morgan, Courtney and Rachel Durham, Christopher McNeil lI, Erann Dutton and husband Bradley; great-grandson, Bradley Dutton Jr.; brother-in-law, Frank Linzmayer; sister-in-law, Shirley Dempsey; his nephew, RJ Dempsey; nieces, Eileen Murphy and Cheri Drake; and many cousins.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 4 to 7p.m. at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. A mass of christian burial will be held on Thursday, Dec. 21 at 10 a.m. at St. James RC Church, Red Bank. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Middletown. Memorial donations may be made in Jack’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St Jude’s Place, Memphis TN, 38105 or Family and Children’s Service 191 Bath Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Thompson Memorial Home