LEWISTON – Neil Ellsworth McCannell, 83, of Lewiston passed away surrounded by his immediate family in Lewiston on Sunday, Dec. 24, after a brief battle with pancreatitis.

He was born on July 8, 1923, in Princeton, to Cordelia E. (Norton) McCannell and Neil E. McCannell.

He was educated in Princeton schools and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943, and honorably served in World War II, on the beaches of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge, where he was taken as a prisoner of war until liberation. He also fought in the Korean Conflict.

He married Dorothy P. Dickson of Derby, on May 3, 1947. He concluded his service as an award winning recruiter based in Lewiston, retiring from the military in August 1969. His military commendations included The World War II Victory Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal. After a military career as a chef he pursued his love of cooking as head chef at the Poland Spring Inn.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and cooking for his family, especially during the holidays. He was a beloved grandfather who treasured spending time with his grandkids and loved all animals. He took wonderful care of his cat Sammy.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years; brother, James Edgar McCannell of Virginia; sister, Ruth Ann McCannell of Houlton; his sons, Donald Neil McCannell of Texas and his wife, Dennis McCannell of Vermont and Roland (Dick) McCannell, and his wife, Jeana, of Monmouth; his daughters, Shirlene (Shirley) Gondek of Lewiston and Brenda McCannell, and her husband, Kim Wettlaufer, of Lewiston; his grandchildren, Anissa McCannell, Tracy, Lance and Derek Gondek, True Fahys, Dickson, Kurtis Neil and Casey McCannell; his great-grandchildren, Ricky, Kayla, Jameisha, Reese, Winney and Ellie.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Oscar, Willis, Jackie, Don, Philip and Norton; and his sisters, Joyce, Marilyn and Florence.