Obituary: Donald Alexander McNeil

Donald Alexander McNeil, 83
Donald Alexander (“Sandy”) McNeil, born May 4, 1936, died on Aug. 29.
Sandy was well-known in Hull, where he spent most of his youth. He attended Hull schools and worked for several businesses in town, such as removing nails from old boards and straightening them for Aldon Bryanton for 25 cents a coffee can full. 
Sandy delivered the Patriot Ledger, set pins manually at the bowling alley, caddied at the Cohasset Golf Club, worked at camps, restaurants and Paragon Park, Joe Silva’s garage, and A St. market, to name a few. He was awarded a medal of honor for saving a drowning downed pilot in the Hull bay. 
After high school, he attended Boston University and then married his wife, Carolyn, with whom he raised three children: Adora, Deborah, and Daniel. Daniel predeceased him. 
Sandy lived a life of purpose. He served his country in the Air Force for four years and the Navy for seven years. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, boating, cars, motorcycles, and creating art. 
He retired to Florida, where he met his “girl” Shirley, with whom he spent the past 15 years.
He is survived by his daughters, seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and his brother, Roderick, of Texas. 
There will be a private military service in Florida. At Sandy’s request, in lieu of flowers donations can be made in his name to the Shriners, St Jude’s Hospital for Children, or Disabled American Veterans.