George Vincent McNeil

Mr. George McNeil, 95, resident of The Glen in Greensboro, GA, passed peacefully of natural causes.  He had a long life and was preceded in death by his mother, father, wife of 34 years, and three siblings.

Gertrude E. (McCabe) McNeil (mother) was a seamstress for Worsted Mills in Rhode Island, then worked for the US Rubber Company making life rafts for the Army and Navy.  Daniel B. “Barney” McNeil (father) operated a blacksmith shop in Millville, MA.  Yolande (Belhumeur DiSpirito McNeil (wife), married in 1978 until she passed in 2012.  George also had three siblings, Mary Elizabeth McNeil Sabatini, Bernard McNeil, and Celia McNeil.

Born in Blackstone, Massachusetts on February 14, 1927, George enlisted at 17 years old and served in the Navy from 1944-1946, then the Air Force from 1947-1965.  During his 21 years of service, he was involved in 3 conflicts - World War II, The Korean War, and Vietnam Era.  His primary job was Intelligence and secondary job was Administration.  He was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal.  Following his military service, George went on to have a full career in the US Postal Service in California as a mechanical engineer and union arbitration representative, retiring in 1988 and returned home to Pawtucket, Rhode Island.  In 2018, George moved to Greensboro, GA with his daughter, Nancy Ann DiSpirito, and son-in-law, Fred Loder.

George and Yolande dated as teenagers then reconnected over 30 years later, by chance, when George made a cross country trip from California to Rhode Island in his new Lincoln Continental.  He stopped for dinner and was recognized by the bartender and childhood friend.  Following a double date and 2-year long distance relationship, Yolande and George were married on June 6, 1978.  George had not previously married and Yolande was a widow and mother of 7 children.  Following their marriage, Yolande and George moved to Alameda, California, where he raised Nancy Ann as his own, and provided love and support to Yolande’s adult children. 

George was an independent man.  He was steady, practical and generous.  He loved engaging with others, telling interesting stories about his varied experiences, and possessed a remarkable memory for detail and quick humor.  He reminisced with Nancy Ann and her family about the diverse aspects of his life until its end.  He was a man of faith, and it is certain that he now rests in peace.   

He is survived by his niece, Mrs. Tonia Rubin of San Francisco California, his step-children, Alan DiSpirito of Ames Iowa, Angelo DiSpirito III of East Greenwich RI, John DiSpirito of Kauai Hawaii, Mary Jane Cressman of Saunders Town RI and Nancy Ann DiSpirito of Greensboro GA, and predeceased by Charles DiSpirito of North Smithfield RI and Paul DiSpirito of Punta Gorda FL.

A Mass Service will take place on Saturday, July 2, 10AM at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church at 128 Greene Street, Woonsocket RI with burial immediately following at St. Charles Cemetery at 190 North Main Street, Woonsocket, RI.  McCommons Funeral Home, 109 W. Broad St., Greensboro, GA, 706-453-2626, is in charge of arrangements.  Visit us at www.mccommonsfuneralhome.com to sign the online register.

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