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, Minnesota, and later completed a master’s degree in Public Affairs Reporting at the University of Illinois at Springfield. Porter worked as a public affairs and communications consultant and served on the Rock Island County Board. As a campaign consultant he worked on dozens of campaigns including serving as a communications consultant to the Democratic Party of Illinois in 2024 and Illinois Communications Director for the Kerry-Edwards Presidential Campaign in 2004. He was a familiar face in the region, having appeared on WHBF-TV’s Sunday political talk show “4 the Record” 70 times since 2016.

Porter had a genuine interest in the lives of other people. His eternal positivity, loyalty and knack for finding common ground with all he encountered forged a myriad of connections and valued friendships. His life was grounded by his love of family and a strong conviction – an obligation – to do good. Porter was generous with his time and a fervent advocate for Moline and the greater Quad Cities region. In both his public and private lives, Porter faced opposing viewpoints and adversity with a disarming optimism, charm and courage that inspired those around him. To know him was to love and respect him.

Family was Porter’s north star. His loving wife Mary was his rock. His role as father and his children – James, Jack and Ellie – the pride of his life. Anyone in touch with Porter was sure to hear him beam about their latest swim meet, performance, academic feat, graduation or new job. He was a fun loving and loyal brother, as well as trusted advisor and confidant to his siblings Mitch, Doug, Chris and Liz. Porter was an ever present and supportive uncle to his many nieces and nephews scattered across the globe – always congratulating the latest accomplishment or there for advice and counsel when challenges arose. He took great joy in the time he spent with his growing flock of grand nieces and nephews over the past several years. In June, Porter was able to mount a trip to Maui to meet his first grandson, Lennox, who he was extremely proud of.

The family cottage on the shores of Lake Michigan was Porter’s special place. He relished every moment of his visits, from the quiet mornings on the porch with his coffee and various newspapers to the endless summer days spent swimming, sailing, taking in sunsets, making family memories and connecting with lifelong friends. The consummate toastmaster, Porter held court at big summer family gatherings giving thanks and recognizing the latest family news or triumph – all in his renowned ad lib and light hearted style. As the end of his stay approached, Porter invariably devised a plan to tack an extra day or two onto his trip and usually had his next visit roughed out before leaving.

Porter was an avid swimmer, hitting the 100+ mile club at the Moline YMCA several years in a row and competing in various Masters meets over the years. He loved sailing with his kids on Lake Michigan. He was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan and was thrilled to witness Albert Pujols' last home run hit as a Cardinal, along with Mary and Jack, in October, 2022.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; cherished children, James (Michelle) McNeil of Maui, HI, Jack (Kamelotte) McNeil of Oak Park IL, and Ellie McNeil of Chicago, IL; and grandson, Lennox (4 months); siblings, Mitch (Pam) McNeil of Oak Park, IL, Doug McNeil of Spring Lake, MI, Chris (Annie) McNeil of Maui, HI, and Liz (Jerry) Gill of Springfield, IL and many adoring nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

A visitation will be 3:00pm to 7:00pm on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Rafferty Funeral Home, 2111-1st St A, Moline. There will be a private burial on Saturday morning at Riverside Cemetery, Moline. In lieu of flowers, the family is organizing a scholarship fund for Quad Cities students interested in public service and politics as a tool for positive social change.

Condolences may be left at RaffertyFunerals.com

Link to donate to the Porter McNeil Public Service Scholarship in lieu of flowers: https://everloved.com/life-of…

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