Brian D. McNeal

Brian D. McNeal born April 27th, 1936

Brian D. McNeal, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, friend and community member, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family.

Brian was the oldest of nine children, born to Irene (Kovach) and Hugh McNeal. At the age of 18, shortly after meeting the love of his life, Joan, at a dance in Willoughby, Brian entered the United States Air Force. Family lore says it must have been the pink bubble skirts on his black convertible, that caught Joan’ eye, because, as Joan would always say, “It wasn’t his a**”, especially since Brian seemed to always need to wear suspenders. Their love story continued for more than 55 years before Joan passed. They were married in 1956, on a “72” before Brian served at the end of the Korean War.

Brian loved being outside and soaking up the sun-which turned out to be a good thing when he later joined the United States Border Patrol. He spent much of his career working along the Mexican border in Texas before eventually returning to the Northeast Kingdom, where he built the home on McNeal Heights that became a gathering place and, practically a second home to his grandchildren as they grew up.

Brian was a man of many talents and could seemingly fix just about anything, lamps, televisions, computers-you name it, Brian could probably figure it out. Cars, however, may have been the exception! He was always building, repairing, creating, and finding ways to make something special for the people he loved. His children and grandchildren were the lucky recipients of countless handmade toys, pieces of furniture, decorations, and other creations that remain reminders of his ingenuity and love.

Music was also an important part of Brian’s life. He played drums in his family band, and many happy memories were made performing at weddings and celebrations at the Stardust Room. Music, family and community were often intertwined in Brian’s life.

Brian was also a pivotal voice in the community. He attended town meetings, spoke up for what he believed was right, and advocated for the people around him. He cared deeply about his community and was never afraid to share his thoughts, his wisdom, or his advice.

But perhaps Brian’s greatest joy was simply being surrounded by his family. Whether at the campground, or down in Jacksonville, or at home gathered around the pool or crowded together in the kitchen, Brian was happiest when his family was near. Although Joan was usually the cook at home, the campground was Brian’s kitchen. He was the one responsible for breakfast, proudly making sure everyone had enough. Many will remember hearing him call out, “Anyone need more eggs? I got more eggs!”

Brian’s smile, generosity, humor, advice, and genuinely kind soul will be missed tremendously. He had a way of making people feel welcome, cared for, and connected. He was the center of his family, and the lives of all who knew him are better and more blessed because he was in them.

Brian was predeceased by his parents, Irene and Hugh McNeal, his sister, Darlene McNeal Martin, his brother-in-law Bill Rocheleau, his sister-in-law, Jane Rocheleau Comtois, and his beloved wife, Joan Rocheleau McNeal.

He leaves behind his siblings and in-laws, Rochelle Moss, Diane Snelgrove, Barry and Sue McNeal, Hugh and Shirley McNeal, Burton and Mimi McNeal, Baxter McNeal, Brent and Sharon McNeal, Marcel Comtois; his children and their spouses, Tim and Brenda McNeal, Jodi and Brad Baker, Kelly and Andre Meunier, and Brian C. McNeal; his grandchildren and their spouses, Meghan and Jonathan Duquette, Jenna Baker, Chelsey Meunier, Britney and Michael Drudi, and Rianna McNeal; and his great-grandchildren, Emma Pothier, Owen Hurd, Kinsley, Kylee and Jace Duquette, Grace, Penelope, and Salem. He also leaves behind his friend, Irene Perry. Along with countless other friends, extended family members, and community members whose lives he touched.

Brian leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured in years or accomplishments alone, it lives on in the home he built, the things he fixed and created, the music he played, the stories he told, the advice he gave, and—most of all—in the family he loved so deeply.

His family will carry him with them in every gathering, every family story, every laugh, every breakfast and every time someone needs something fixed.

And when we think of him, we can almost hear that familiar voice one more time:

“You take it easy now…”

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday September 19, 2026 at Pine Hill Cemetery in Derby with Rev. Peter Hammond officiating, with full military honors to follow. Online condolences are welcomed at curtis-britch.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home & Cremation service, locally family owned and operated.