Cornelius “Neil” Barnes
November 07, 1927 – November 03, 2018
Cornelius F. “Neil” passed away at the Marian Manor in South Boston on Saturday, Nov. 3. He was 90 years old. Born and raised in South Boston, a son of the late John Patrick and Sarah (Williams) Barnes, he graduated from South Boston High School and enlisted in the US Army during final days of World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1948 and returned to South Boston. Neil re-enlisted and served during the Korean conflict. Holding the rank of Sergeant, he served as an MP and was awarded three Bronze Stars before his discharge in 1953.
Neil again returned to his family home on Dorchester St. in So Boston. He worked for many years for the US Post Office as a clerk assigned to the office at North Station.
Being a Bruins fan and stationed next to the “old” Garden was one of the best jobs a hockey fan could hope for.
Neil married Helen E. (Benton) and settled in Chelsea residing there for nearly 60 years. Neil was widowed two and a half years ago after sharing 56 years of marriage.
Neil received supportive care for the last two years as a resident at the Marian Manor, close to his boyhood neighborhood in South Boston. A devout Catholic, Neil never missed daily Mass held at the manor chapel.
Neil is fondly remembered for his deep and abiding faith, his sense of humor and his infectious laughter.
In addition to his parents and his beloved wife, he was also predeceased by his brother, John W. Barnes. He is survived by his cherished nephew and nieces: John Barnes and his wife, Kerry of Roslindale, Elaine McCall of Whitman and Margaret Barnes of Carver. He is also survived by several other beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
His Funeral will begin from the Frank A. Welsh & Sons Funeral Home, 718 Broadway, Chelsea on Friday, Nov. 9 at 10 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Michael the Archangel Chapel (Chelsea Soldiers Home) 91 Crest Ave., Chelsea at 11 a.m. Services will conclude with Interment at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. Relatives and friends are most kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held at the Welsh Funeral Home today, Thursday, from 4 to 7 p.m. The Funeral Home is fully handicap accessible, ample parking opposite Funeral Home.
Arrangements are by Anthony Memorial-Frank A. Welsh & Sons Funeral Home.