Dr. Thomas Malcolm McNeill

Thomas M. McNeill, M.D., 99, of Orlando, Florida, passed away Monday, July 11, 2022. He was born July 12, 1922, in St. John’s, Newfoundland, to Hector and Ella (Ebsary) McNeill. He grew up in Elmira, New York, and earned his Eagle Scout. He proudly served his country in World War II in the Pacific Theater of Operations as a paratrooper in the 503rd Parachute Regimental Combat Team. In 1945, the 503rd PRCT jumped on Fortress Corregidor in the Philippines, known as The Rock, to liberate it from occupying forces. While recuperating from his injuries and illness on the island of Mindoro later that year, he designed and painted on his duffle bag “The Rock” insignia for the 503rd PRCT. It has been used continuously as its insignia since WWII.

Upon honorable discharge from the Army as a Sergeant, he entered Alfred University under the GI Bill, where he graduated Cum Laude in 1948 with a degree in botany. He completed his medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine in 1951. From 1951-1957 he completed his residency in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery at Yale-New Haven Medical Center. There, he served as Assistant Resident in Surgery, Chief Resident in General Surgery, and Chief Resident in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. He entered into private practice in 1957 in New York City before relocating his family to Orlando. He was one of the first pioneers to perform open-heart surgery in the country.

Dr. McNeill was in private practice in Orlando from 1966-1994. He worked primarily at Orlando Regional Medical Center (Orlando Health) and Florida Hospital (Advent Health) as a thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon. He was a founding member of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons and published several papers for the society, especially in the study of tuberculosis treatment. He was also a member of the Florida Society of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeons, the American Medical Association, the Florida Medical Association, and the Orange County Medical Society.

Dr. McNeill also volunteered his time at local hospitals. He performed countless charitable surgeries on patients at Mercy Hospital for more than 20 years and made himself available at all times to operate on officers of Central Florida law enforcement agencies who had been injured in the line of duty.

In retirement, Dr. McNeill enjoyed traveling, visiting the beach, sketching, gardening and spending time with his family and friends.

Survivors: wife of 67 years, Suzanne; children, Thomas Jr. (Laura) McNeill, Stephen (Jennifer) McNeill, and Jane (Bradley) Sullivan; grandchildren, Scott McNeill, Harrison McNeill, Cullen Sullivan, Jackson McNeill, Andrew McNeill, Benjamin McNeill and Callista Sullivan. He will be laid to rest with military honors at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.