Obituary of William Joseph Neary Jr.

William Joesph Neary Jr born November 2, 1932 in New Bedford Ma. passed away to join our heavenly father surrounded by his loved ones January 27, 2024. Bill (as he liked to be called) grew up in a  large loving family in Braintree Ma. At the age of 15 he joined the Army National Guard. He spent 2 years in the Army National Guard until it was discovered he was underage and was honorably discharged at 17 years old. As soon as he turned 18 he joined the Navy, as he put it "better food and a soft bunk at night”. 

He met his first wife, Joan, while in the Navy and they were married in 1955 and went on to have 4 children. They divorced in 1970 and in later years he counted her as one of his dearest friends. He met his second wife Carol in 1974 and they were married in 1976 and remained happily married until Carol’s death in 2015. Joan and Carol were also dear friends. 

He worked as a carpenter and was a member of the Union Local 33 until his retirement. Bill had many friends and enjoyed many hobbies and activities throughout his life including horse back riding, sailing, camping, hunting, photography, painting, making furniture, and gardening. After he retired he would take weeks long sailing trips with friends and had many wonderful adventures sailing. 

He was a lover of animals and at one time owned horses and throughout his life had many, many dogs and cats some that were planned others who wondered into his life and he gave them the love and care they had never known until the end of their lives. 

In his later years he moved in with his son Russ on his farm in Plymton and enjoyed helping out when he could and being surrounded by family. He also enjoyed going to Friday morning breakfast club with his daughter, sister-in-law, oldest son, and whoever happened to show up that week. He was a very charismatic person with a sense of humor that would have everyone in the room laughing. He gave his children, extended family, and friends so many happy memories and will be so deeply missed by all. 

He is survived by his brother Russell Neary and his wife Nancy, sisters Barbara Daiute, Alison Bartel, and Anne Neary. He was a loving father to William Neary III and his wife Donna, Amy (Neary) Townsend and her husband Jon, Shawn Neary and his wife Kim, Russ Neary and his wife Mary, Cheryl Souza and her husband John, John Holmes and his wife Carol, and Kimberly Clayson and her husband Christopher. He was also a loving grandpa to Travis Townsend and his wife Angela, Brooke Townsend, Alexander Neary and his wife Zi, David Neary, Dakota Rivermist and her husband Ray, Nicole Souza, Kyle Clayson and his wife Liza, Sam Neary, Amy Neary, and Mya Neary, Lucus Holmes, and Ava Holmes. He was a loving great grandpa to Mercedes Townsend, Anthony Townsend, Brooklyn Neary, Brayden Neary, Ace Clayson, and Ariah Neary. He was also a beloved uncle to many, many nieces and nephews, and a dog grandpa to his beloved Maggy (who will deeply miss her secret cuddles on his lap).

Visiting hours will be held at Shepards Funeral Home in Kingston, Ma. Monday, February 5th, from 4pm-7pm. Burial will be at Ottis Air Force Base at 9:45 am Tuesday, February 6th

In lieu of Flowers donations can be made to St.Judes Children’s Research Hospital.