John A. McNeice, Jr., noted Boston philanthropist and retired CEO and Chairman of The Colonial Group, passed away peacefully at home in Canton on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 11, 2021 surrounded by his loving family and devoted care givers. Former trustee of Boston College, Boston College High School, Weston Jesuit School of Theology, and Finance Council of the Archdiocese of Boston. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of sixty one years, Margarete E. (Aust) McNeice in 2017. Cherished father of Gabriele S. Shaw and her husband James of Waltham and Margarete A. Portanova of Wrentham. Doting “Papa” to his grandchildren James Shaw, Erika Lucas, Christopher Shaw, Elisa Shaw, Monika Orifice, Jimmy, Michael and Emma Portanova, and the late Stephen Shaw. Brother of the late Donald McNeice, Joan Church, and Claire McNally.
John began his highschool education at North Quincy Highschool but transferred to the school he said changed his life; Boston College High School. Despite having to caddy to make tuition and needing to hitchhike to South Boston to attend, he credits his Jesuit education for molding his future endeavors. After attending Boston College, he enrolled in the Army, was stationed in Germany, and met his wife Margarete. He adopted Margarete’s daughter Gabriele and then welcomed Margarete Anne nine years later.
An avid golfer, he was a member of Wollaston Golf Club and Milton Hoosic Golf Club. Also a talented photographer, his home is filled with his photographs and slides and slideshows were a common occurrence.
First and foremost, his faith was the center of his life. For many years, he was a daily communicant at St. Gerard Majella Church.
John’s family wishes to express their gratitude to Cardinal O’Malley and Father Bill Brown, OMV for their pastoral visits during John’s illness, and to the Jesuit Community, who John credited with his lifelong strong Catholic faith and business success. Also a very sincere thank you to his dedicated care takers: Kim, David, and Joe Burke, Karla Ericson, Caren Simpson, and Shannon Rhinehart.
Visiting hours will be Thursday, April 15th at the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home, 455 Washington Street, Canton from 4-7pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, April 16th at 10:00am at St. Gerard Mejella Church, Washington Street, Canton. Burial at Knollwood Memorial Park, Canton.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Boston College High School (150 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA 02125), Oblates of the Virgin Mary (2 Ipswich Street, Boston, MA 02215), the Archdiocese of Boston (66 Brooks Drive, Braintree, MA 02184), or Our Neighbors s in Need, C/O St. Gerard Majella Church (1860 Washington Street, Canton, MA 02021)