Russell Gregory Neary

Russell Gregory Neary, a proud Marine, devoted family man, loyal friend, and lifelong resident of Massachusetts, passed away at home, surrounded by family.

Born on November 23, 1933, in Quincy Point, Russell was the third of seven children born to Elizabeth Doran and William Joseph Neary, both originally from Newfoundland, Canada. He spent most of his life in Braintree, a community that remained an important part of who he was.

Russell attended Sacred Heart School in Weymouth and graduated from Braintree High School with the Class of 1951. After graduation he joined the Marine Corps. He served as a military policeman in Korea and Japan, carrying his pride in the corps throughout his life.

Following his service, Russell continued his education at Bentley College in Boston. He graduated with a degree in accounting. Russ retired from a 20-year career at the Foxboro Company.

But Russell’s life was about far more than his work. He was a man who valued loyalty, treasured old friends, and believed in staying connected to the people and communities that mattered to him.

Russell found a lasting love and devoted companion in Nancy Chapman Maddigan. Their 56 years together were marked by partnership, friendship, and a shared life. Nancy was his constant and best friend.

Russell leaves behind three children from a previous marriage to Patricia Hoover Neary of Bridgewater. His daughter Lee Patricia Neary of Onset, son Gregory Russell Neary of La Paz, Mexico, and daughter Christine Magnone of Taunton.

Russell was a lifetime member of the Braintree Elks, where he served as manager for many years. He was also a member of the Braintree Sons of Italy and, the VFW. Wherever life took him, he found ways to build friendships and maintain the connections he valued so deeply.

In 2020, Russell and Nancy moved to Wareham, where he enjoyed his final years and embraced a new community.

Russell found pleasure in traveling, golf, playing cards, woodworking, and tinkering. He enjoyed keeping busy, working with his hands, and sharing time with friends. A devoted animal lover, Russell especially loved his dogs and the companionship, loyalty, and unconditional affection they brought into his life.

Russell was predeceased by his siblings Elizabeth “Betty” Curry, William Neary, and Joseph Neary. He is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy; his children, Lee, Gregory and Alejandra, and Christine; his stepdaughter, Michelle Maddigan Fitzgerald of Charlotte, NC; Son-in-law, Matthew Fitzgerald, of Huntersville, NC; and their three children, Ryan Fitzgerald of New York City, Shaelyn Fitzgerald of Philadelphia, PA and Kylie Fitzgerald of Charlotte, NC. He is also survived by his sisters Barbara Daiute of Plymouth, Alison Bartel of Brockton, and Annie Neary of Wareham.

He will be remembered with love, gratitude, and deep respect. His legacy lives on in the family he raised, the friendships he nurtured, the music and traditions he cherished, and the many lives he touched along the way .

Semper Fidelis. Always Faithful.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit on Monday, October 19, 2026 from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Highway (Rt. 28), Wareham.  A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Ave, Bourne at 12:30 PM.  Please go directly to the cemetery and arrive by 12:15 PM. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.