NORWICH – Josephine McNeil, 85, wife of former Norwich supervisor Robert McNeil and co-founder of McNeil’s Jewelers, passed away on Tuesday, May 30, 2006, in the New York State Veterans’ Home of Oxford.
A life-long Norwich resident, Josephine was born Sept. 27, 1920, daughter of George and Clara (Gifford) Holcomb. She attended Norwich High School, graduating in 1938 and, on May 29, 1941, in St. Paul’s Church, married Robert D. McNeil. In 1948, Robert and Josephine established McNeil Jewelers on South Broad Street, and continued to own and operate the store until 1982 when their sons assumed its management. In 1962, husband Robert became the first Democrat in several decades to be elected to the position of City of Norwich Supervisor, a title he held through 1979. As his wife, Josephine became involved in the city political scene. She also became involved with the auxiliaries of Norwich Elks Lodge BPOE 1222, American Legion Post 189, and VFW Post 2782, and was a dedicated and life-long member of St. Paul’s Church. An avid bowler, she had been elected to the Norwich Women’s Bowling Hall of Fame.
Following the sale of the store, Josephine and Robert lived for a time in New Port Richie, Fla. and were there in 1990 when Robert passed away. Josephine subsequently returned to Norwich, where she continued to reside until moving to the Veterans’ Home at the beginning of May, 2006.
Josephine is survived by her children: R. Michael McNeil and wife Camille of Fairfax, Va., James McNeil and wife Libby of Norwich, Patrick McNeil and wife Linda of Norwich, and Brenda Smith and husband Fred of Rochester; by her grandchildren: Patty Smith Roy and husband Mike, Kathy Smith Gorman and husband Tim, Annette McNeil Hawkins and husband Donnie, Sean McNeil and wife Elizabeth, and Gillian, Erin, Patty, Jeremy, and Tiffany McNeil. She is also survived by her great grandchildren: Gavin, Caitlin, Liam, and Logan McNeil, Dustin and Camille Hawkins, and Dan, Kevin, and Emily Gorman. Josephine was predeceased by her husband, Robert D. McNeil, on April 22, 1990; and by her brother, Gifford Holcomb.
A Mass of Resurrection for Josephine will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, June 5, from the Church of the Holy Apostle St. Paul’s. Interment will follow in St. Paul’s Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Sunday from 3-7 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be sent to American Legion Post 189, 62 East Main St., Norwich, NY 13815; or to the charity of your choice.