Neil Bruce MacArthur

19 November 1944 – 26 September 2024

WINCHESTER, Massachusetts – Surrounded by loved ones, Neil MacArthur, 79, died Thursday, 26 September 2024 at Winchester Hospital after a valiant, two-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. He leaves his wife of more than 35 years, Jane, three (3) children – Kathleen (Andy Neely), Tim (Colleen Bradley-MacArthur), and Erin - and his grandson Bennett. He is survived by his brothers Al (Barbara) of Pennsylvania and Ron (Hazel) of Oklahoma. Neil’s extended family includes cousins in Massachusetts and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, great-grand-nieces, and great-grand-nephews in Georgia and Oklahoma. He is also survived by his former wife, Tina Bellomy, a dear family friend and mother of Tim and Kathleen.

Neil grew up in Winchester and graduated from Winchester High School (1962). He studied architecture at Northeastern University. Neil held several positions in his 42 years at Polaroid Corporation, serving as Lead Coating Technician for more than 20 years. He held a similar position at Zink Ink following his career at Polaroid.

Neil was an active member of the Fire/Rescue Team for the New England Region of the Sports Car Club of America® at motorsports racetracks throughout New England. With his wife, Jane, Neil served as Co-Chief of Fire/Rescue from 1983 – 1996 and as Chief until 2011. Neil was active with NER/SCCA Fire/Rescue until the COVID-19 pandemic. He was also a pit lane firefighter for NASCAR® events at Bryar Motorsports Park/New Hampshire International Speedway.

Neil was Chief of the Winchester Auxiliary Fire Department. He became a member in 1962 when he was 18 (with his first fire response to the house next door to his own home) and continued active service with the department for more than 50 years.

An athlete in his younger years, Neil played football, softball, and hockey and enjoyed running and cross-country skiing. After coaching youth sports himself, watching his son Tim coaching his grandson Bennett in Waltham Youth Hockey was a source of pride. Neil and Erin practiced Tae Kwon Do together, each earning a first-degree black belt in 2010 (Neil at the age of 65). An avid reader, he nurtured a love of reading in his children, especially Kathleen who went on to study literature. Neil delighted in live music, especially attending Celtic Thunder© concerts.

Neil’s family and friends will miss his silliness, infectious Christmas cheer, and warm hugs. His big, gentle heart helped him remain generous, selfless, and thoughtful until the end.

Neil donated regularly to the American Heart Association, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Toys for Tots, and Special Olympics. If you are so inclined, in lieu of flowers, a contribution to one of these charities, the American Cancer Society, or the charity of your choice in his memory would be welcome. A memorial celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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