William A. Neilan

Born in Fall River, a son of the late John J. and Elizabeth A. (Fitzgerald) Neilan, he lived in Somerset for the past 44 years, and was a graduate of Coyle High School in Taunton and Boston College, Class of 1951. A United States Army Veteran, he served in Italy during World War II.

A Senior VP and CFO of Charlton Memorial Hospital for 24 years, he retired in 1987. Prior to that, he had worked for the former Firestone Company for 22 years.

He was a member of Kawanis, the Elks of Fall River, Chamber of Commerce, and was a former president of Hospice. He was also a member and on the board of Jr. Achievement and the former Citizens-Union Bank.

Surviving in addition to his wife: 4 daughters: Christine Alves and husband Christopher of Swansea, Nicole Ryan and husband Michael of Johnston, RI, Simone Pappas and husband Bill of Swansea, Lynn Clift and husband James of Coventry, RI, 4 sons: William A. Neilan II of Portsmouth, RI, James M. Neilan and wife Susan of Swansea, Mark R. Neilan and wife Yvonne of Fall River, Rick P. Neilan and wife Wendy of Somerset, 17 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, 7 nieces and nephews. He was brother of the late John “Jack” and Thomas F. Neilan, Mary E. Sullivan and Elizabeth “Betty” Neilan.

His funeral will be held Friday, January 24, 2014 at10:00 AM in the First Christian Congregational Church , 1113 GAR Highway, Swansea.Visiting hours will be on Thursday from 4-7 PM in the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME OF MEMORIAL TRIBUTE AT BIRCHCREST, 189 Gardners Neck Rd., Swansea. Burial in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Somerset. Contributions in his honor may be made to Hospice and VNA of Southeastern Mass, 200 Mill Rd. Fairhaven, MA 02719.