Arthur William Neill

If there was a trout stream somewhere, Arthur William Neill would find it. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and all-around outdoorsman, Arthur passed away peacefully at home at the age of 79, embraced by the love of his family. Following a long battle with COPD, he entered into God’s presence on January 29, 2025.

Arthur was born in Quincy, Massachusetts, on January 22, 1946, to Benjamin and Marion (Kirby) Neill. He grew up in Braintree, graduating from Braintree High School in 1964 before attending Quincy Jr. College, followed by UMASS Amherst. There, he earned a degree in Wildlife Biology in 1969—because if there was one thing Arthur knew, he belonged outdoors.

His career was a perfect match for his love of nature. He began working for the Division of Fish and Wildlife as a skilled helper (though we're sure he was the most skilled) and climbed the ranks to become Superintendent, State Ornithologist, and Deputy Director. During this time, he married Nancy Harrington, his wife of 52 years. While living in Plymouth, their first two children, David and Amanda, were born. Later, he took his talents to Ducks Unlimited as Regional Director, both in Macungie, PA, and Saratoga Springs, NY, where their son Matthew was born. Eventually, he returned to Massachusetts, working for the National Marine Fisheries Service as Assistant to the Director. Later, he worked for Elder Services of Cape Cod, where he worked as a Fieldwork Coordinator for the Cape and Islands Senior Environment Corps., proving that his love for conservation was a lifelong affair.

Arthur was a man of many passions. Whether he was out fishing at sunrise, capturing nature through the lens of his camera, hunting with friends, or meticulously tying fishing flies, he found joy in every moment spent outdoors. He also had a heart for coaching baseball and basketball for his sons. Arthur, a man of faith, found joy in his church community. As a longtime member of Covenant Community Church in Sandwich, he served as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher. He led with kindness, a heart for service, and just the right amount of good-natured mischief. He cared for the natural world, volunteering as a Mosquito Commissioner on Cape Cod in his retirement. He loved his family with devotion and strength.

Arthur is survived by his wife Nancy (Harrington), his children David and his wife Amy, Amanda Neill, and Matthew

Neill. He was the proud grandfather of Alyssa and her husband Tommy Hricisak, Travis, Danica, and Ryan Shores, Alexander and Ethan Monterrey, and the doting great-grandfather of Arthur and James Hricisak. His nieces and nephews also survive him; Monica (Neill) Petersen and Eric Neill, as well as Kimberly (Sampson) Simonich, Suzanne (Sampson) Wilson, and Bradford Sampson. He was preceded in death by his twin brother, Alan; his brother, Robert; and his parents, Benjamin and Marion Neill.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Nickerson Bourne Funeral Home, 154 Rt 6A, Sandwich, MA. A memorial service will follow on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 11:00 at Covenant Community Church, 360 Quaker Meetinghouse Rd, East Sandwich, MA. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in honor of Arthur's generous spirit to either Covenant Community Church (P.O. Box 420, East Sandwich, MA 02537) or Champ Homes (82 School Street, Hyannis, MA 02601). And remember, Arthur would love for you to step outside, take a deep breath of fresh air, and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.