Gerald "Gary" McNeill

Gerald “Gary” Patrick McNeill passed away peacefully on July 10, 2025, at the age of 67.

Born on March 11, 1958, in Waterford, Ireland, Gary was the son of the late Bridget “Breid” McNeill and the late Gerald “Gerry” McNeill. He grew up in Waterford County Ireland, spending his childhood, acting, birdwatching, and raising various family pets.

Gary’s work took him around the world. He earned his PhD in biochemistry from the National University of Ireland in 1987, subsequently continuing his career there and in Nagoya, Japan and Hanover Germany. His early research helped lay the groundwork for many of the innovations that followed.

In 1992, he married Andrea and, together with her daughter Fiona, they began a transatlantic journey that led them to Philadelphia, where Gary worked as a research biochemist at the USDA. Their son, Killian, was born in 1994. Soon after, the family moved to England, where Gary joined Unilever in Sharnbrook.

Gary later took on a leadership role with Loders Croklaan near Chicago. There, his career flourished. He helped build the U.S. research site and lab from the ground up, led projects that resulted in multiple patents for innovations in fats used in baking, frying, and nutrition. He became a respected voice in food science, was interviewed in industry publications and on radio, and was widely regarded as a leader in his field.

Gary had a rich intellectual and creative life. He loved hiking and birdwatching, was a passionate fan of action movies and video games, and enjoyed playing the piano. He was an avid world traveler, and when at home he took special pride in his sleek Chrysler 300C, with the tongue-in-cheek license plate “HDL LDL”, a nod to his lifelong work in lipid chemistry. He was also a man who appreciated a good pint, a sharp wit, and spirited conversation.

Gary was a dedicated father to Killian McNeill (Crystal Rodrigues) and Fiona Lynch (Sergey Turin); grandfather to Max and Niki; fond brother to Evelyn O’Neill (Harry O’Neill); uncle to Robert and Kate; formerly married to Andrea Ebert-McNeill, as well as a friend and colleague to many across the globe who admired his intellect, his candor, and his drive.

Gary was a brilliant, complex man; principled, intense, often restless and worried, always striving for perfection and not one to compromise easily. Yet in the final chapter of his life, following his diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s in 2018, something shifted. As his health declined, a quiet peace seemed to settle over him. He smiled more easily. He worried less. He seemed - finally, and perhaps for the first time - at ease in the world. It was an unexpected grace, and a comfort to those who loved him most.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Memorial Gathering 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM on Saturday, July 19th, 2025 at Leonard Memorial Home, 565 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn, IL and Service of Rembrances begins at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers please honor Gary with a memorial donation to Alzheimer's Association online at alz.org or by mail, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601. For more information on services please call Leonard Memorial Home at (630) 469-0032.

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