Ronald Joseph MacNeil

It is with broken hearts that we announce the unexpected passing, on February 4, 2025, at South Shore Regional Hospital, of our beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother, Ronald Joseph “Ron” MacNeil (78), with his loving family by his side.

Born in Sydney to the late John "JJ" and Catherine "Kay" (MacDougall) MacNeil. Dad will be missed by his children Dawn Marie (Neil Bach) of Dominion, Cindy (Adam MacKinnon) of Sydney, and Ronald James “RJ” (Melissa Christo) of Shelburne, ON, grandchildren Andrew (Jenn), Ryan (Ellen), Brad, Kylie, Cassidy (Zac), Hannah, Donevan, Aubree Anne, great grandchildren Mason and Irah, as well as brother Paul (Debbie), sister Cathy (Peter), sisters-in-law Bonnie and Colleen and many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws on the Tiller side. Dad will also be missed by his four legged grandpuppies Chewy, Yoda, Leni, Rocco, Princess, Magnus, Mira and Obi (the cat).

Besides his parents, Dad was predeceased by his wife Diane; the love of his life of 41 years, brothers John Robert "JR" and Dave and sisters Loretta and Sandra.

Dad had a joy for life that could be heard in his whistling; there wasn’t a tune he couldn’t whistle. He made friends easily, often luring them in with his avid storytelling. He had a great sense of humour and was always ready with a quick reply. In his younger years he enjoyed playing hockey and baseball where he was known as a formidable pitcher. He never lost his love of sports, being a devoted Habs fan (much to his son-in-law's dismay). Dad enjoyed taking his grandchildren to watch hockey games all over the Island, as well as taking them on road trips to Ingonish, PEI, and NL. His family was his greatest joy and he never missed a Friday Pizza Night.

Early on dad worked for Joy Manufacturing and then Whitney Pier Credit Union before he became co-owner/operator of Triple M Video; the family run business. In his latter years he worked for Atlantic Superstore in Sydney and North Sydney until retirement, making many friends along the way. Dad enjoyed helping his many clients with their bookkeeping\income tax, many of whom became close friends. He was also a proud member of Holy Redeemer Parish.

Dad truly was our best friend and we will each miss doing his favourite things with him… a nice breakfast out, a quick stop for a tea and a chat, shooting the drag, shoplifting (there’s a funny story), going for a ride just to get out, talking on the phone until we each arrive at our destination, dinners in the parking lot, Sunday suppers, a “friendly” game of crib, our birthday celebrations with “Tom Tom”, and especially his special Christmas Eve gatherings at his house and his notorious Christmas game that we all cherish. We are comforted in the fact that he is now with mom and they are together.

Special thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at the South Shore Regional Hospital for their amazing care and compassion that they showed dad, as well as our family in our time of need.

Visitation will take place at TW Curry Parkview Chapel, 755 George St., Sydney from 2-4 & 7-9 on Tuesday, Feb. 11. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, February 13 at Holy Redeemer Church, 1135 Victoria Road, Whitney Pier. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family by visiting twcurry.com. Inurnment to take place in Resurrection Cemetery at a later date. If desired, donations in Dad's memory may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

"The Finest Man on Gatacre Street"