Captain Kevin J. McNeil, 67, of Fairhaven passed peacefully with his family by his side on July 3, 2023. He is survived by his wife of 42 years Kathryn (Zielinski) McNeil, his daughter Courtney Bille and her husband Andrew, his son Collin McNeil, and his beautiful granddaughter Madelyn Shea Bille.
Born in Weymouth and raised in Cohasset, he was a graduate of Cohasset High School. He received his captain’s license from the Sea School in Stuart, FL. At an early age, he began his long maritime career on the MV Schamonchi ferry as a deck hand, then was promoted to engineer and finally to Captain. He eventually moved on to the Steamship Authority as an agent, where he retired from in March 2022.
Kev tried his best to make life simple. Home, family and his pups made for a perfect day. His carpentry skills were impressive. He made a lot of memorable items for family and friends. We have lost a special man. His memory will live on in our hearts forever.
In addition to his wife, children, and granddaughter, he is survived by five sisters, Mary McNeil, Maureen Cassidy, Janet Warren, Jeanne Maxon and Jerry Youngclaus. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Amy Oberle and her husband Doug, brothers-in-law, Mark Zielinski and his wife Cathy, David Zielinski and his wife Patricia, and Peter Zielinski and his wife Joyce, and several nieces and nephews. He leaves behind his best buds, Captain Ron Rock and Captain Jim Corbett, along with many dear friends.
He was predeceased by his mother Rita L. McNeil, his brothers, Charles and Thomas McNeil, and his brothers-in-law, Joe Warren and Tim Youngclaus.
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed in the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore! Dream! Discover! - Mark Twain
At his request, funeral arrangements will be private. A celebration of Kevin’s life will take place at a later date. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.