John “Jack” Colgan McNeil II, 57, of Cortland, N.Y., passed away peacefully early in the morning on Saturday, April 3, 2021, after courageously battling a long illness. He is survived by his son, John Colgan McNeil III (Elizabeth); daughters, Nora McNeil Kszystyniak (Josh) and Emily McNeil; sisters, Martha Auster (Moe) and Maureen Wermers (Dan); brother James McNeil (Molly) and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, John Colgan McNeil, and mother, Henrietta Huxford McNeil.
Jack was a graduate of Vestal High School and Niagara University. He went on to work as a carpenter for McNeil Development Co. in Cortland, where he loved working with his cousin and best friend, David McNeil. An avid and skilled skier, Jack served for 10 years as a senior member of the Labrador Mountain Ski Patrol, where he could be seen on the slopes every Christmas Eve dressed as Santa Claus. He also volunteered at the Skaneateles Ski Club, where he taught his three children to ski.
Jack was an incredible father to his son and daughters, lifting them up and supporting them in everything they did. He was that special kind of person who always sought to put others’ needs before his own. Jack was also a master storyteller known for his sense of humor. His laughter, kindness and generosity will be cherished by all those fortunate enough to have known and loved him.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made in his name to the Skaneateles Ski Club and Francis House in Syracuse.
Jack will be laid to rest in Skaneateles at St. Mary’s Cemetery on April 7, preceded by a private service at St. Mary’s of the Lake. Friends may celebrate his life and express their condolences from 5 – 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 6, at the Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.
