Scott William Mcneil

Scott William McNeil, 49, of Kent, Ohio passed away at home on Monday, May 28, 2018, surrounded by his family. Scott was born on April 19, 1969 in Libertyville, Illinois, to Becky and Dick McNeil. He was preceded in death by his mother and his nephew, Sam McNeil.

Scott brought tremendous love, unity and laughter to his family. His life was defined by his family, but Scott was the core, bringing everyone together with his unique energy, spirit and unconditional love. Although a man of few words, he was a powerful communicator with a way of charming everyone around him through his smile and outgoing nature.

Scott and his parents were pioneers in advancing educational and social opportunities for those with developmental disabilities at a time when options were limited. Scott began his educational career in preschool at age 3. He then went to Laremont School in Illinois, and later, Happy Day School in Ravenna, Ohio. Scott began working at Portage Industries in Ravenna at age 20, continuing until May 23, 2018. The Portage Industries staff were nurturing partners who together with his family, helped Scott develop life skills and a strong work ethic.

Scott traveled extensively with his parents, visiting 49 states and 5 Canadian Provinces. He had a life-long love of trains completing many cross country treks on Amtrak. Scott and his parents embraced the opportunity to travel frequently, celebrating family milestones and events along the way.

Scott was passionate about the spiritual and communal nature of Catholic rituals. He attended St. Patrick's Church and the Newman Center in Kent.

Scott enjoyed a wide range of other interests because Dick and Becky sought out opportunities in the community and shared their own interests. He was an avid sports fan throughout his life. He participated in Special Olympics, swam, played basketball, baseball and bowled. He was also a loyal Indians, Cavs and Browns fan. Scott thoroughly enjoyed all kinds of music, especially classic rock, jazz and country. He joyfully sang and danced to favorite tunes at every opportunity.

Scott is survived by his father, Dick McNeil; siblings Mike McNeil (Sue), Jill Shoda (Bob), Greg McNeil (Lori), Joy Schmelz (Mark), Kathy Rich (Bruce), Beth Trivelli (Pete). Additionally, Scott is survived by his nieces and nephews: Chris McNeil, Jenny Callahan (Tom), Paul McNeil (Bernadette), Jonathan Shoda, Nick Shoda, Bryan Shoda, Mathew McNeil (Krystal), Amy McNeil, Nichole Schmelz, Daniel Schmelz, Emily Rich, Ben Rich, Michael Trivelli, and Angela Trivelli, dear cousin, Kim Bell (Brian) and 11 grand nieces and nephews.

Friends and family will be received Thursday, May 31, 2018 from 4-7 pm at Bissler & Sons Funeral Home 628 West Main Street, Kent, Ohio 44240. Mass of Resurrection will be Friday, June 1, 2018 at 10 am at the University Parish Newman Center at Kent State University, officiated by Father Steve Agostino, assisted by Tim DeFrange. A private burial service will be held. Memorials in Scott's name can be made to Cover2 Resources, a 501(3c) (2208 East Enterprise Parkway, Twinsburg, Ohio 44087) dedicated to education and advocacy to help fight the opioid epidemic, or to the Newman Center at Kent State (1424 Horning Rd, Kent, OH 44240).

The family extends their gratitude to a superb medical team led by Dr. Emmanuel Yanelli, providing continual genuine care and concern for all facets of Scott's life. Hospice of Western Reserve offered invaluable support to Scott and his family the past several weeks. As Scott's legacy, his family would like to be a resource for other families who have loved ones with Down syndrome and Alzheimer's.