In memory of

Porter McNeil

Moline, IL

December 5, 1959 - September 12, 2025

Dec 5, 1959 - Sep 12, 2025

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Please consider a donation to The Porter McNeil Public Service Scholarship.

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In memory of

Porter McNeil

Passed

September 12, 2025
Born

December 5, 1959
Resided

Moline, IL

Photo

Please consider a donation to The Porter McNeil Public Service Scholarship.

$53,424.17

total raised

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How you can help

In lieu of flowers, the McNeil family wishes to set up a public service focused scholarship in Porter McNeil's name.

Porter McNeil passed away on September 12, 2025, after a courageous four-year battle with cancer. Even during his illness, he continued swimming, serving his community, and inspiring those around him with his dedication and resilience.

A lifelong Moline resident, Porter believed deeply in the importance of civic engagement, thoughtful communication, and building a better future through public leadership.

To honor his legacy, the McNeil family will be creating a Porter McNeil Public Service Scholarship to support students in the Quad Cities area who aspire to careers in public service, communications, or politics. This scholarship will support young leaders who share his deep passion for service.

Porter dedicated his life to public service and to the power of the written and spoken word with a purpose. He was inspired at a young age, listening to speeches of the Kennedy's to pursue a life in politics and government.

He viewed public service as a noble profession, and inspired many others to enter the field. He adopted the "Sail Against the Wind" mantra from Ted Kennedy's campaign, the first he volunteered on as a college student.

A 1978 graduate of Moline High School, Porter went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and later completed a master’s degree in Public Affairs Reporting at the University of Illinois at Springfield. Over the course of his career, he worked in the Illinois Statehouse, served on the Rock Island County Board, and became a trusted political consultant and commentator. He also wrote extensively on politics and history, always with the conviction that ideas, when communicated clearly and authentically, could shape the future.

His legacy will live on through the work of everyone dedicated to public service as a tool for positive social change. Contribute

Porter McNeil, 65, of Moline, passed away on Friday, September 12, 2025 after a four-year battle with cancer.

Porter was born December 5, 1959, in Moline, the son of Donald and Nancy McNeil. He married Mary Carlin on September 23rd, 1989, in Davenport, Iowa, and they had three children together; James, Jack, and Ellie.

A 1978 graduate of Moline High School, Porter went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Macalester College in St. Paul, …

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