William A. McNeal

William Andrew McNeal, 61, lost his life in a tragic accident on Oct. 17, 2018. Bill was born in New Brunswick, N.J., graduated from Wheaton College in 1978 and served honorably in the United States Army in both the Field Artillery Branch and the Military Intelligence Branch.

After a distinguished military career, he worked in the financial industry as a CFA, and then went on to earn a Law degree from Widener University School of Law.

Bill was a loving husband, devoted father, performance car aficionado, race fan, Dallas Cowboys fan, off-road four-wheeler, avid reader, grammarian, marathon runner, off-trail hiker, life-long scholar, animal lover, and litigator.

Bill was probably best known for musicianship. He was incredibly talented and passionate about making music. He could sing both tenor and baritone, was able to step in for professional singers if needed, and played with bell choirs, church orchestras and, most recently, the Fountain Hills Community Band.

Throughout his diverse musical career he sang with such groups as ProMusica El Paso, Choral Arts Society of Philadelphia, Wayne Oratorio Society of Wayne, Pa., and the Albuquerque Symphony Chorus. He performed in and directed two Gilbert & Sullivan productions while living in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia.

At the time of his passing he was singing with the Mountain View Presbyterian Church Choir, participating in Bell Choir, and playing euphonium in church as well as in the community band. Fellow musicians and directors described him as spirited, versatile, kind, joyful and deeply spiritual.

Bill is survived by his wife, Sonja, with whom he shared a 36-year marriage; and his daughter, Allison, who resides in Denver, Colo. with her husband, Taylor Motsenbocker.

A memorial service will be held at Mountain View Presbyterian Church on Thursday, Oct. 25, at 3 p.m. Donations can be made to the Mountain View Presbyterian Church Music Program.

“Cast thy burdens upon the Lord and He shall sustain you.”