Stephen F McNelis 70, of Seekonk, MA passed away on April 15th. He grew up on Providence’s East Side in which he had many lifelong friends. He was the fourth child of Dr, Francis McNelis and Shirley McNelis (Grube) who predeceased him as well as a brother Brian McNelis of Tucson, AZ.
He was the devoted husband and best friend of Sharon Morley McNelis.
Stephen is survived by four siblings Francis and Lance Houser of Napa, CA, J. Kevin and Karen McNelis of Greenville, RI, Joanne Sheehan of Tucson, AZ, and Marian McNelis and Tom Arnold of Tucson, AZ, and many nieces and nephews.
Stephen attended Providence Country Day and later graduated from Providence College with a degree in Political Science. He worked as a Mayoral Aide for the Vincent Cianci Administration. He later worked and retired as a Clerk for the US Postal Service.
Stephen served honorably in the Army as a Medic in Germany during the Vietnam war. He enjoyed traveling and skiing in Europe during his time off. He also skied from his early years at his family ski house in Laconia NH, where he hosted many close friends and enjoyed happy times. He was pleased to have many loyal and true friends where he returned their loyalty and friendship. Stephen had a great sense of humor and an appreciation for his Irish roots which he shared with wife Sharon, visiting Ireland together, skiing in New Hampshire and later on a trip to Switzerland. He was an avid reader, dog lover, New England Patriots fan and Boston Red Sox Fan. He and Sharon went on many cruises to the Caribbean, and enjoying time in Florida and out west.
Services are private with a celebration of life at a future date.
~~~
Stephen Francis McNelis
July 30, 1952 - April 15, 2023
Farewell to you
My brother
It hurts to say Goodbye
But you’d be quick
To remind
That someday we all
Must die.
You lived life
As you pleased
But Always with decorum
And eer maintained self dignity
In this earthly Sanitorium -
Never one to grope or wallow
You sought and kept things light
The gift of gab came easily
But you never veered towards trite -
Beyond your incisive Wit
You were ever Duty bound
Always a good son and loyal brother -
Like you
There simply is no other.
Not one for sentimentality
You have no choice now
But to let me have my say
I love you in my heart of hearts
And there you’re bound to stay.