Raymond L. MacNeil

DANVERS- Raymond L. MacNeil, 97, passed away on July 7, 2022. He was the loving husband of the late Louise (Dluznieska) MacNeil. Up until his recent illness he had lived independently in the home that he and Louise purchased 72 years ago. Born in Salem on July 5, 1925, he was the son of the late Elton and Dorothy (Cressy) MacNeil. He graduated from Peabody High School, class of 1942, and then worked for his father at Lalime’s Garage in Peabody. Ray enlisted at age 17 and reported for duty at age 18 during WW2, serving as a medic (medical surgical technician) with the mobile 67th field hospital in the chest and belly unit. They moved throughout Europe in support of the 9th army. He and his unit also assisted with the liberation and care of survivors of the Ludwigslust concentration camp in Germany. He met his beloved wife Louise at the Ivory System in Peabody. They enjoyed 63 years of marriage together. Louise always said that she would marry Ray all over again if she could. They adored each other. He graduated from Boston University, and also received a master’s degree. Ray went on to become a math teacher in the Pentucket Regional school system for 25 years and was head of the high school math department. He was a member of Saint Mary of the Annunciation Church in Danvers for over 70 years. He had many hobbies and was always busy. He renovated their entire Danvers home single-handedly, did the family’s car and auto body repairs, was a ham radio operator, as well as a prolific and talented watercolor and pencil portrait artist. After retirement, he started a home sharpening business. Using his computer, Ray scanned and labeled over 6,600 family photos and documents (when he was in his 90’s!) and shared them online with the family and for future generations to enjoy. To keep his mind active, Ray took extensive German language lessons online, and did practice calculus and algebra problems up until a few months ago. Ray was a wonderful, gentle, intelligent, thoughtful and caring man to all who knew him. His children can never recall him raising his voice. He is survived by five fortunate children, Richard MacNeil of ME, Barbara Lynch and her partner, Thomas Bachini of Danvers, Marcia MacNeil of Danvers, Donald MacNeil and his wife, Jane of ME and Jack MacNeil of FL, a sister-in-law Jennie Joyce of Peabody, grandchildren Jeff MacNeil, Matt Lynch (Heather), Elizabeth Toerne (Kevin), Jessica Osier (Damein), Lauren Simons (Evan), Elyse Larsen (Erik), great-grandchildren Sam and Benjamin Raymond Toerne, Matthew, Jameson Raymond, and Hudson Lynch, and Cole and Raymond Simons, as well as his nieces. He was predeceased by his siblings, Jack MacNeil and Betty Cassidy, a daughter-in-law Candy MacNeil, and a nephew Philip Cassidy. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Thursday, July 14, 2022, in Saint Mary of the Annunciation Church, 24 Conant St., Danvers. Burial will follow in Annunciation Cemetery, Danvers. Visitation will be held from 4-7 PM on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Raymond’s name to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA, 01923.