Cornelius W. (Neil) Spellman

HOLDEN - Cornelius (Neil) Walsh Spellman, 72, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, November 28, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones. Neil leaves behind his devoted wife, Denise, of 25 years. He was a loving father to four children; Mary Catherine Barilleaux (Girard), of Arlington, MA; Mary Rose Spellman (Jarrod Ekengren); and Thomas, both of San Diego, CA; and Peter of Bar Harbor, Maine. He also leaves two grandchildren; Gerard and Maximilian Barilleaux, and baby Ekengren, due in February. He will be missed dearly by his 5 siblings: Sharon, Scott (Sally), Kate (Keith) Jackson, Jane, and Betsy (Bob) Houle, all of Attleboro, and many dearly loved nieces, nephews and in-laws.

He was born in Newport, RI to John and Elsie (Walsh) Spellman. He graduated from Attleboro High School in 1970 where he was a middle-distance runner and later a sprinter in college. He resided in Attleboro for most of his life. He graduated from Westfield State University where he met Denise. They reunited 18 years later.

Neil retired from a career as an Investigator for the Bureau of Special Investigations, Commonwealth of Massachusetts. While working for the state, he supplemented his income as owner of Bundles, a small dry-cleaning business located at the Attleboro train station. In retirement, he worked as a police officer for Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

After retirement, Neil became an IABBO basketball and US Lacrosse high school official. He was a member of St. George Roman Catholic Church in Worcester where his participation was evident in the structure of Neil's Catholic faith.

Those who knew Neil surely remember a warm hearty greeting, and spirited laugh. He was proud of his Irish heritage and always willing to share a joke or tale.

Neil's loved ones would like to offer a special thanks to the Cardiac Critical Care teams at St. Vincent's (Worcester) and Brigham and Women's (Boston) Hospitals for their extraordinary expertise and compassion during this very difficult time.

Friends and family are invited to join the family for calling hours from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Friday, December 1st at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St, Holden. A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, December 2nd at St. George's Church, 40 Brattle St, Worcester.