Harry D. McNeil, Jr. ’46 died on July 22, 2023, in Longmeadow, Massachusetts.

(The following was provided by the Republican on July 28, 2023)

Harry D. McNeil, Jr., Ph.D. 1924 – 2023

Longmeadow – Harry D. McNeil, Jr., a long-time resident of Longmeadow, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2023, at the age of 98. He will be remembered for his brilliance, kindness, generosity and humor.

Born in Bangor, Maine, he was the son of the late Lillian and Dr. Harry D. McNeil, Sr. After graduating from Bowdoin College, he earned a master’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Maine and a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Purdue University. His research at Purdue was sponsored by a Commercial Solvents Corporation fellowship.

In his career as an industrial research chemist, he conducted pioneering research in materials development across high explosives, plastics, lubricants and textiles, which culminated in a number of patents. Following his work at the Research Center of Hercules Powder Co., he conducted fiber development research at Celanese Corp.

In retirement, he pursued his passion of designing speakers and stereo systems, and he enjoyed traveling with his wife to visit places of historical significance to the family, attending opera performances and viewing art exhibits.

He is survived by his daughters, Katherine McNeil Evans of Longmeadow and Pamela McNeil Kaufman of New Canaan, CT, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife of seventy years, Isabel K. McNeil, his sister, Barbara J. Lewis, and his son, Douglas McNeil.