LEWISTON – Neil Ellsworth McCannell passed away Sunday, Dec. 24, 2006, surrounded by his im-mediate family in Lewiston after a brief battle with pancreatitis. He was born July 8, 1923, in Princeton, to Cordelia E. (Norton) McCannell and Neil E. McCannell. Neil was educated in Princeton schools and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943, and honorably served in World War II, on the beaches of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge where he was taken as a prisoner of war until liberation. He also fought in the Korean War. Neil married Dorothy P. Dickson of Derby, May 3, 1947. He concluded his service as an award winning recruiter based in Lewiston, retiring from the military in August 1969. His military commendations included the World War II Victory Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal. After a military career as a chef, he pursued his love of cooking as head chef at the Poland Spring Inn. Neil enjoyed hunting, fishing and cooking for his family, especially during the holidays. He was a beloved grandfather who treasured spending time with his grandkids and loved all animals. He took wonderful care of his cat, Sammy. Neil is survived by his wife of 60 years; brother, James Edgar McCannell of Virginia; sister, Ruth Ann McCannell of Houlton; his sons, Donald Neil McCannell of Texas and his wife, Dennis McCannell, of Vermont and Roland “Dick” McCannell and his wife, Jeana, of Monmouth; his daughters, Shirlene “Shirley” Gondek of Lewiston and Brenda McCannell and her husband, Kim Wettlaufer, of Lewiston; his grandchildren, Anissa McCannell, Tracy, Lance and Derek Gondek, True Fahys, Dickson, Kurtis Neil and Casey McCannell; his great-grandchildren, Ricky, Kayla, Jameisha, Reese, Winney and Ellie. Neil was predeceased by his brothers, Oscar, Willis, Jackie, Don, Philip, Norton; and his sisters, Joyce, Marilyn and Florence. A committal service will be held at a later date and at the convenience of the family at the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Augusta. At his request there will not be any visitation. Arrangements by the family owned Pinette Funeral Home, 87 Bartlett St., Lewiston.
NEIL ELLSWORTH MCCANNELL
