Michael John Mcneely's Obituary
Michael John McNeely, 70, passed away on May 6, 2026.
Born on June 23, 1955, in Evanston, Illinois, Michael lived a life grounded in hard work, generosity, and love for his family and friends. He graduated from Cumberland County High School in 1973 before earning his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Illinois. Michael spent his career in Agronomy working for Northrup King, American Cyanamid, Monsanto, and PNC Bank. Michael earned many accolades, including two-time Sales District Award Winner, Winning Sales Team at Monsanto, and Honorary Sales Council at Northrup King multiple times. After many years in the workforce, he happily retired in 2019.
Michael was a devoted and loving husband to his wife of 43 years, Maryjo, who was truly his soulmate. Together, they raised four children, traveled the world, and lived life to the fullest. He was a proud father to his daughter and three sons, cherishing every moment spent with them. Michael was a positive role model for his children and so many others. His favorite title in life was Grandpa. He was a supportive and loving grandpa who treasured time with Poppy and Devlan with his whole heart.
Throughout his years in Philo, Illinois, Michael belonged to St. Thomas Catholic Church. His faith was evident in the way he lived and how he treated others; displaying strong morals and values which he instilled in his children.
One of his favorite places to be was on the golf course. As a member of the Orange and Blue U of I golf course for 33 years, Michael played in the Stifel Group. He was Club Champion in the Senior Division several times. When he moved to Florida, he eagerly joined the Del Webb golf league. One of the things Michael loved about Florida was that he could play golf year-round. He was fortunate enough to shoot two holes-in-one.
Michael had an incredible sense of humor, enjoyed playing pranks, and spending time with everyone. He stayed connected with friends and family with his hours of phone calls and nearly 10,000 text messages sent each month.
Michael was preceded in death by his father, John “Jack” McNeely; his mother, Sally Lou Porter McNeely; and his nephew, Matthew McNeely.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Maryjo; his four children, Keegan McNeely, Kyle McNeely, Gavin McNeely (Megan), and Logan McNeely (Alicia); his cherished grandchildren, Poppy, Devlan, and Louis; his brothers, Mark McNeely (Donez), John McNeely (Carol), and Brian McNeely; and many nieces and nephews.
Michael will be deeply missed for the joy he brought to others, the generosity he showed, and the lasting impact he made on everyone fortunate enough to know and love him.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 11 am at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Urbana, Illinois.
Michael’s family will receive guests prior to the service at the church beginning at 9:30 am.
The service will be live-streamed for those unable to attend. This can be found on the St. Patrick Catholic Church website (https://www.stpaturbana.org) by clicking on the Watch Our Masses Online tab.
Friends and family may make memorial donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, an organization close to his and Maryjo’s hearts. (https://www.events.stjude.org/Michael_McNeely)
A memorial donation may be made to St. Thomas Catholic School in Philo, where all his children attended 1st through 8th grade. (https://www.school.stthomasphilo.org)
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