Cilfford A. Neil, 95

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Cilfford August Neil, 95, of 32 Aqua St., Lanesborough, Mass., passed away April 11, 2018 at Berkshire Medical Center. 

He was born in Pittsfield on October 11, 1922, to the late August J and Eva M. Duval Neil. He attended local schools and was a graduate of Pittsfield High School. 

Mr. Neil married the former Emma Proctor, who predeceased him on March 10, 2001. 

He was a US Navy Veteran, having served in World War II. He was a Second Class Aviation Machinist’s Mate, and a recipient of the Bronze Star. He was on USS Gambier Bay, which was the only American aircraft carrier sunk by enemy surface gunfire during World War II.

He went on to be a self-employed vending machine operator, installing them and fixing them. He also previously worked as a carpenter and also worked at General Electric Machine Shop.

Clifford was a communicant of St. Joseph Church and previously was a communicant of the former Notre Dame Church. He enjoyed going to O.T.B. His children and grandchildren meant the world to him. 

He leaves behind his two daughters, Terese Balsamo of Pittsfield and Katherine Neil of Ocala, Fla.; his two sons, David Neil of Lanesborough and Clifford Neil Jr. of Summerville, Fla.; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. 

He was predeceased by his son, Bob Neil; and a grandchild, Allison Neil. 

Funeral notice: Funeral services for Clifford will be held Saturday April 14, 2018, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 9 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, with Msgr. Rev. Michael A. Shershanovich, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. 

Calling hours will be held Friday, April 13, 2018, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Dery Funeral Home in Pittsfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Lanesboro VFW Food Pantry in care of the funeral home.