Neil B. McShannon
July 26, 1948 – March 21, 2024
Neil is survived by his wife, Mary (Grasso); sons, Neil John (Jodi) and Nick (Jayme); 5 beloved grandchildren: Kaelyn, Keira, Kate, Parker and Zoey; as well as siblings, Gary McShannon, Pat Johnson, Bonnie Hays, Judy Vaccaro and Jami McShannon.
Neil attended Technical High School in Omaha, graduating in 1966. He then enlisted in the Navy and was a Fire Control Radar Operator from 1967 – 1968, retired in 1968 with an Honorable Discharge for disability. He attended UNO from 1969 – 1971.
Neil found his bride at Sandy’s Escape back in 1967. As fate would have it, Mary had a fake ID which allowed her to enter the establishment, where he asked her to dance and ultimately if he could, drive her home. While that request was politely denied for fear of her father injuring Neil upon arrival, it was the start of a beautiful relationship. Neil and Mary were married in 1970; they have two children – Neil John (1972) and Nicholas Frank (1979). Throughout their marriage he was an avid bowler and softball pitcher, and enjoyed other activities with Mary, including Darts and Volleyball, as well as regular trips to Council Bluffs and Las Vegas for the casinos.
Neil worked at Gibbs & Hill from 1969 through 1982, and OPPD from 1982 until his retirement in 2010, at which time he dedicated his time to caring for Mary as she progressed through her MS diagnosis. From his retirement date until his death, he was dedicated to making Mary’s life as normal as possible, even after his cancer diagnosis and several subsequent surgeries. He would pick her up from the nursing home every single day for the last 14 years so they could spend the afternoon and early evening together watching TV and eating dinner, always ending with a call at 11:00pm for one last ‘good night’ and ‘I love you.’
The Family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 27th from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel. MEMORIAL SERVICE with Military Honors: Thursday, March 28th at 11am at the West Center Chapel. Instead of dressing up, please feel free to wear your favorite Husker or Chief’s apparel.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are kindly suggested to Multiple Sclerosis Society or Muddy Paws Second Chance Rescue.
To view a live broadcast of the Memorial Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
7 Comments
Mary Neil John Nick and your families I wished I could be there but I can’t. I am grieving with you and you are in my prayers love you
Neil, Jodi and family–a
May God’s grace surround and permeate you at this time. Your Holy Week and Easter will have special meaning for you. this year as Jesus confronts death and invites new life. I’m not sure if I can make it to the funeral because of my health issues, but you know you have my love and affection.
My deepest condolences to everyone! May he rest in Peace..Prayers for everyone’s healing during this difficult time.
Sorry for the loss of Neil.
Mary and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. That is a beautiful love story. I’m enjoying my memories of Sandy’s Escape and going there with you, Mary. God bless all of you.
Mary and family – I’m so sorry for your loss – Mary, I think of you often and you are certainly in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time!
I am so sorry that I could not be there…..You all are in my prayers…..
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