Cornelius “Neil” J. Darcy Jr, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 13, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Diane J. Sweeney-Darcy, with whom he shared 23 years of marriage. Born on August 28, 1942 in Lynn, he was the eldest of twin sons to Mabel and Cornelius Darcy Sr. His brother and best friend Richard “Dick” N. Darcy preceded Neil in death on February 25, 2005.
Neil received his undergraduate and Master’s from Suffolk University and a second Master’s Degree from Salem State. He later served on the Alumni Board of Suffolk University. Neil lived in Peabody for 59 years and was active in the community for many years coaching and serving leadership roles in the Peabody Little League and Boy Scouts. He was also a member of the North Shore Car Club, through which he pursued his passion for restoring antique cars.
He has worked for the last 13 years as a realtor for Century 21 NorthEast after retiring from more than 40 years with the Massachusetts State Department of Welfare. While working as a Director of Public Welfare, Neil was a co-founder of “Hand in Hand” a nonprofit which worked to transition young at risk gang members out of the gang lifestyle, toward promising futures.
Neil was a member of the Lynn Valladolid Council #70 Knights of Columbus for over 60 years. He served on the Board of Directors, managed the function hall and played softball for years. He loved to laugh, play golf, ski, spend time with family and friends, and tinker with his beloved cars.
The most important of all to Neil was his family. He could always be counted on to be there for anyone, no matter what. He was an inspirational role model, kind and helpful, tenacious, always active and just a plain hard act to follow. Neil leaves behind his beloved wife of 23 years Diane; his children and their spouses Neal & Kristen Darcy, Chris Darcy, Ryan Sweeney, Patrice Machado, Lauren & Leo Neves, Denise & Paul Ciampa, Toni Lyn & Steve Kucker, 15 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and several much loved nieces and nephews.
Friends and family are invited to attend Neil’s visitation on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home, 157 Maple Street, Lynn. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 9:00 AM at Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at St. Pius V Church, 215 Maple Street Lynn. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Lynn. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Kaplan Family Hospice House at: www.caredimensions.org.
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