Neal L. Taffe, a 35 year resident of Melrose and formerly of Natick, Newton and Brighton, died on Thursday, February 15, 2007, at his home in Melrose after battling a long illness. He was 81 years old.
Neal was born in Newton on August 20, 1925. He attended Parachial Schools in Natick and also in Newton. He graduated from Natick High School in 1943. Neal enlisted into the United States Army Air Corps on October 15, 1943. He served his country with valor and courage during World War II, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam Conflict. After 42 years of dedicated service to his country, Neal retired from the United States Army on August 20, 1985, with the highest rank of an enlisted man as a Sergeant Major. He worked for several years at the Charlestown Naval Shipyard. Neal enjoyed volunteering his time at the Medicare desk at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital and also the retirees office at Hanscom Air Force Base. He was involved in many activities and projects at Memorial Hall in Melrose which is a building dedicated to those men and women who sacrificed themselves defending our country. He was member of the Board of Trustees for Memorial Hall. Neal dedicated a lot of his time at Bellevue Golf Club in Melrose participating on numerous committees and enjoying the love of golf. He enjoyed reading and he tutored English as a secong language to people at The Melrose Public Library. For the last 52 years, Neal has been a supportive friend of Bill W.
Neal was the beloved and loving husband and of 37 years to Andrea L. "Andi" (Wragg) Taffe. He is the beloved brother of the late Patricia Galvin and Richard P. Taffe. He is the loving uncle of several nieces and nephews.
Neal's Funeral will be held on Tuesday, February 20, 2007, at 9:00 a.m. from the Carr Funeral Home, 1159 Main Street, Melrose, followed by his Funeral Mass in The Church of The Incarnation, 425 Upham Street, Melrose, at 10:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours for Neal will be held on Monday, February 19, 2007, from 4 to 8 p.m. Burial will take place at the Veterans Administration National Cemetery in Bourne at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make memorial donations in Neal's name to Memorial Hall Capital Improvement, c/o Melrose City Hall, 562 Main Street, Melrose, MA 02176 or Incarnation Church Memorial Fund, 429 Upham Street, Melrose, MA 02176.