J. Philip Neilan

HOLDEN – J. Philip Neilan, Sr., 79, of 57 Birchwood Drive, died on Monday, March 17, 2008 in UMass Memorial Health Care, Lake Avenue, Worcester after a courageous battle with heart disease.

He leaves his wife of 56 years, Mary R. (Byrne) Neilan; a son, John P. Neilan, Jr. and his wife Lorraine of Holden; two daughters, Nancy E. O'Neill and her husband Peter of Holliston and Maura Ann Rodino and her husband Ross of Natick; a sister, Mary Frances Regan of Centerville; nine grandchildren; 36 nephews and nieces. He was born in Milford the son of John J. and Frances (Bassett) Neilan and lived 53 years in Holden.

Mr. Neilan graduated St. Mary's High School in Milford, the College of the Holy Cross in 1950 where he was a member of the Purple Knights and presently his Class Agent. He was an Investment Broker and Vice President at Morgan Stanley Investment Co. in Worcester where he worked 25 years, retiring in 1995. He was a founding member of St. George's Church in Worcester and former chairman of the Bishop's Fund drive at the church. He was also a member of the First Friday Club in Worcester, the Holden Zoning Board, and member and Past President of the Holden Exchange Club. He enjoyed golf and woodworking and attended classes at the Craft Center in Worcester.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 20th, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street (Rte. 122A), Holden. The funeral for Mr. Neilan will be held on Friday, March 21st, from the funeral home with Liturgy of the Word at 11:30 a.m. in St. George's Church, 38 Brattle Street, Worcester. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Cedar Street, Milford. Memorial donations may be made to the Holy Cross Fund, in memory of J. Philip Neilan, 1 College Street, Worcester, MA 01610; or the American Heart Association, 20 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701.

Website & Guest book: www.milesfuneralhome.com