John Vincent McNelis

John Vincent McNelis 67, died peacefully December 8, 2013 in Carmel, IN. He was born on August 27, 1946 in Indianapolis, IN, the youngest of six children, to Thomas Patrick and Charlotte Louise McNelis. John was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings, Thomas Joseph McNelis and Mary Catherine Garvin. John graduated from Cathedral Grade School, The Latin School, and Butler University in 1969, with a business degree. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and a charter member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, having served on its finance committee. An astute businessman and entrepreneur, John began his career in the wine and spirits industry at the Bottle Shoppe. He eventually managed the store and was instrumental in its expansion. He was co-owner and Executive Vice President of Olinger Distributing Company and was a co-founder of Tri-Mack Barricade Corporation. John prized education, financially supporting scholarships for countless students. His generosity, work ethic, sense of humor, and faith knew no bounds. Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 10, 2013, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, December 11, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 10655 Haverstick Road, with visitation one hour prior. The Peace Meal will be served immediately following the Mass. Burial will follow the meal in Calvary Cemetery, Indianapolis. He is survived by three sisters, Rose McNelis (his devoted caretaker and nurse), Helen (Jim) Adams, and Rita (Ted) Heede; six nieces and nephews, Sheila Gamache (Bob) Bates, Michael (Angela) McNelis, Timothy (Sheila) McNelis, Daniel McNelis, Kathleen (Tom) Gallagher and Patrick (Betsy) Adams; and 18 great nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Dr. George Elmes and a host of caregivers for their many years of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cathedral High School, 5225 E 56th St., Indpls., IN 46226 or St. Theodore Guerin High School, 15300 Gray Rd., Noblesville, IN 46062, in support of Catholic education and scholarships.