1959 – 2014

BOSTON, MASS. — Neil Jeffrey Oja, 54, of Oxford, passed away on Saturday, April 12, in Boston, Mass.

He was born on Sept. 11, 1959, the son of Frederick and Beryl (Ellingwood) Oja, both of West Paris. Neil graduated from Oxford Hills High School in June, 1977. Following his graduation, he worked at several different jobs in the local area. Then, in 1992, Neil joined the Asbestos Workers, Local 6, for whom he continued to work until his death.

Neil was a gifted athlete and a lifelong Red Sox fan. He played on several local sports teams and was an accomplished golfer and outdoorsman.

Neil was the fourth of seven children. He is survived by his mother, Beryl Oja of West Paris; his siblings, Gail Oja of North Andover, Mass., Joel and Lorraine Oja of Danforth, Beth Cantwell of Billerica, Mass., Jackson Oja and Lucio DeBarros of Salem, N.H., Jerry Oja and David Oja of Brockton, Mass. and Julie Oja and Tanya Gillette of Dallas, Pa.; five nieces and five nephews, Tonya and Eric Jacobs and their children, Seneca and Siana, Jacob Oja, Amber Oja, Kristen Cantwell, Jason Cantwell and Matthew, Joshua and Luke Gillette.

Neil was predeceased by his father, Frederick Oja.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com