Bernais J. McNeil

Bernais James McNeil, affectionately known as Mack was born on June 5, 1964 in Dillon South Caroline. Mack was raised in Newark, New Jersey where he attended Queen of Angels, The Newark Boys Chorus, and then St. Benedicts preparatory school from which he graduated in 1982. While in high school, Bernais studied abroad for one year in the U.S Virgin Islands. After graduation, Bernais briefly attended Bates College in Lewiston, Maine where he played football. Later in his life, Bernais earned a Bachelors degree from Thomas Edison College, and a Masters degree from Centenary College.

Bernais served in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Germany. While in Germany, he spent spare time as a “super hip” DJ. He was honorably discharged from the army, and returned to the states to begin his career in law enforcement. He worked as a police officer for Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey. He also was briefly employed by CSX, as a train engineer. For the past 15 years, Mack has been employed by the United States Veterans Administration in Lyons New Jersey as the Deputy Chief of Police and Public Safety. He also worked as a professor in the Sociology Department at Rutgers University for many years.

Mack was an avid reader and learner. He was self-taught in various trades including carpentry, mechanic and computer technology. He enjoyed building model planes and was currently building one of his customized computers. He loved all things politics and love to debate the latest headlines. He will be fondly remembered by his wife and girls as an amazing cook. He even made his own barbecue sauce and rubs. Mack had a great sense of humor and his personality would light up a room and make everyone around him laugh. His daughters were true daddy’s girls! Whenever he could come home from work, the girls would run to the door and scream “daddy!” to greet him! He enjoyed long phone conversations with his eldest daughter and would catch lunch with her from time to time and enjoyed playing with his grandsons whenever they visited. Bernais never missed an occasion to express how much he loved his wife and how proud he was of her many accomplishments. And finally, what can we say about the other little man of the house, his beloved dog Jay, who became the son he never had for the past 3 years.

He leaves to mourn his passing and cherish his memory, his loving wife Dr. Myrto “Mia” McNeil; daughters Christine, Tammy, Ryan, Alexis and Emily McNeil; grandsons Christian McNeil, and Lucas Leston; his mother Judy McNeil; brother Lee McNeil; sisters Erica and Anesia McNeil, niece Amanda McNeil; and nephew Brandon McNeil, in addition to many more family members, his beloved co-workers and friends who will forever cherish and be thankful for the life of Bernais McNeil.

Bernais J. McNeil, 54, of Easton, PA passed away peacefully March 25, 2019 at home. 

Homegoing Services will be held on Friday at 6:30PM in the Main Sanctuary of Greater Shiloh Church 403 Pastor Fred Davis Street Easton, PA 18042.  Viewing beings at 5PM.

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