Donald W. Macneil

Pastor Donald W. MacNeil, 92, of Beaver, formerly of New Brighton, passed away peacefully Friday, June 28, 2024, surrounded by his loving family at Heritage Valley, Beaver.

Born January 27, 1932, in Dorchester, Massachusetts, he was a son of the late James P and Mabel (Trussell) MacNeil. A true man of God, he served in the ministry for over 70 years at five churches. After serving 40 years at New Brighton Church of the Nazarene, he was currently serving as the minister at the First Congregational Church of Beaver Falls.

Pastor’s journey led him to many places, serving countless people all over Beaver County. A special place in his heart was the Beaver Medical Center, where you could find him walking the halls, holding court in the lobby or visiting those in need. If you didn’t catch him at the hospital, you were sure to find him sitting outside of Kretchmar’s, enjoying a lemon pocket. Though he could always share a childhood story of his New England years, including his love of sailing and ‘chowdah’, more than anything he loved getting to know all of you. Although he initially thought he was destined to be a forest ranger, he truly adored being the people’s pastor.

Pastor is survived by his children, Greg (Melissa) MacNeil, Kathleen (Frank) Kusnir, and Janet (Tom) Roberts; grandchildren, Brandi Fry-MacNeil, Jaclyn, Frank Jr., Daniel and John Kusnir, Jimmy and Gabrielle Nero; Great-grandchildren, Nathan and Carly Ruthann. We as a family would like to include all of you as well, his church family and the community that he served.

He was predeceased by his parents, wife, Ruth Ann MacNeil, and daughter-in-law, Kerrie MacNeil.

Friends will be welcomed Monday and Tuesday from 2 to 4pm & 6 to 8pm at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Ave, New Brighton, and Wednesday from 10am until the time of the service at 11am, at the New Brighton Church of the Nazarene, 423 Penn Ave, New Brighton, with Reverend Randy Owens officiating.

Private family interment will follow at Grove Cemetery, New Brighton.

We would like to thank the staff of Heritage Valley Beaver for their compassionate care of our father in his final days.