John Alexander MacNeil

It is with broken hearts that we, the family, announce the peaceful passing of our beloved father, grandfather, brother, and uncle; John Alexander MacNeil, at the Northside Community Guest Home on June 2, 2026, under the care of the Palliative team. John was surrounded by his loving daughters and in the heart of his son away at work.

John was born in Sydney Mines on November 15, 1946. He was the son of the late John MacNeil and Sadie (Caine) MacNeil. John is survived by his brother Lewis MacNeil, son Garry MacNeil, daughters Joy (Micheal) McNeil, Judy (Danny) LeBlanc, and grandchildren Krystal, Benjamin, Gabriel, Glen, Alisha, Shaelynn, and Kayla, as well as eight great-grandchildren.

John was predeceased by his loving wife of 56 years, Mary (Reashor) MacNeil, his first son, Paul “Glen” MacNeil, his father, John MacNeil, his mother, Sadie (Caine) MacNeil, brother, Thomas MacNeil, sisters-in-law, Maureen (Haley) MacNeil and Wanda (Hopkins) MacNeil.

John was a member of St. John’s United Church in Big Bras d’Or. He was a member of UA Local 682, joining in 1966 and remained a member for 60 years as a pipefitter, he was also a sheet metal worker. He worked construction all over Cape Breton and travelled for many years, including many projects in western Canada. His strong work ethic, skill, and commitment to his trades earned him the respect of many colleagues and friends along the way. He was always willing to sit down and share his stories from his years in the trades.

John believed strongly in the importance of unions. If you stopped for a chat, you could count on hearing his honest opinion, a few lessons learned over the years, and often some advice. His knowledge, wisdom, and passion for what he believed left a lasting impression on those who knew him. His family meant everything to him, and he was incredibly proud of each and every one of them. While he has a strong and tough exterior, those who knew him best saw a completely different side of him. When it came to his grandchildren, he had a heart full of love for them. He rarely missed a hockey game, attended dance recitals, and cheered in the stands of basketball games. He enjoyed many family outings involving hiking, barbecues, and primarily spending time with family. He adored every one of them and took great pride in creating memories with them.

The family would like to give a heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Northside Community Guest Home, with special mentions to MaryLynn, Maddie, Diane, and Paula. Your kindness, compassion, and dedicated care meant more to our family than words can express. Another special thank you to his lifelong friends, Bill, Jack, and cousin Anne MacNeil, for always taking the time to visit Dad while in long-term care at the Northside General and the Northside Community Guest Home.

He is finally at peace being with the love of his life, our mom. We know they are both watching over us with the same love that has guided our family for all these years. There will be a graveside service and celebration of life to follow at a later time. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family by visiting fillmoreandwhitman.com.