Melvin L. MacNeil entered into eternal rest on April 20, 2026. Mel was born in Bras d'Or, Nova Scotia on Aug. 26, 1928. He was the last remaining member of the Joseph and Rita MacNeil family having been predeceased by four brothers and two sisters. Mel graduated from Teacher's College, taught in his hometown for a few years and spent several years overseas in Europe teaching with the Canadian Armed Forces. While obtaining a Master's Degree at Niagara University, he met and married his beloved wife Virginia (Santangelo) a Lockport native. They settled in Lockport, both teaching at local schools. Virginia passed away in 1980.  Mel continued to teach and retired after 31 years.

He is survived by several nieces and nephews in Nova Scotia, and his dear friends, Mario and Eleanor Galliera and their eight children of Thorold, Ontario.

In retirement, Mel spent time traveling and lived in Appalachicola, Fla. for ten years. He also enjoyed breeding and raising canaries, was a longtime member of the International Canary and Finch Society, and the Dale Association. He loved gardening and raising plants and vegetables, and delighted in sharing them with his friends and neighbors.  Melvin was a member of St. John's Church where he formerly taught in the religious education program.

Relatives and friends are invited to visitation Saturday, April 25th from 9:30-10:30 AM at Prudden And Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St., Lockport followed by a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM at St. John the Baptist R.C. Church, 168 Chestnut St., Lockport.  Interment will be in Glenwood Cemetery.