Cornelius T Bresnahan

Cornelius Thomas "Neil" Bresnahan
January 13, 1952 – June 24, 2025

Cornelius Thomas Bresnahan, affectionately known as Neil, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2025, in Boston, Massachusetts, at the age of 73, after a courageous battle with his health. He faced every challenge with strength, deep faith, and his signature sense of humor, which stayed with him until the end. His faith was a constant in his life and brought him great comfort, especially in these last few years.

Born in Boston on January 13, 1952, and raised in Jamaica Plain, Neil was a lifelong son of the city. He started his career with New England Telephone at just 18 years old and worked his way up through the company. After retiring from Verizon, he took great pride in continuing his work as an engineer, helping to build Boston’s fiber-optic infrastructure. He could drive the roads with his eyes closed; nobody knew the streets better than Neil.

He shared 56 devoted years with his beloved wife, Linda. They went on their first date on Linda’s 15th birthday and were never apart—true partners in every sense—right up until the very end. They made so many memories with friends and family and were constant companions who never wavered in their love and affection to one another.

Neil’s primary focus in life was his family, who brought him immense joy and delight every single day. He was most proud of his three children and six grandchildren, who were the greatest joys of his life. To his grandchildren, he was “Grampy”—gentle, playful, and deeply adored.

He loved birdwatching, trips to Costco, checking his nature camera, and relaxing in his blue Adirondack chair with his best pal Dobie on the porch of his home in Kennebunk, Maine, his dream retirement spot and a place where he found peace. He carried a lifetime of fond memories from Goose Rocks Beach, enjoying his spot under the umbrella. His family will continue to cherish their time and honor his memory on this beautiful beach.

A passionate Boston sports fan, Neil loved watching the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox. Watching him watch the Pats was often more entertaining than the game itself.

Neil is so loved and will be deeply missed.

We are thankful for the compassionate and amazing care he received from the doctors, nurses and care teams at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and New England Cancer Specialists.

He was predeceased by his parents Cornelius and Irene (Wilson) Bresnahan and his sister Ellen Dishman. He is survived by his wife Linda Poulos, his three children and their spouses, Michael and Katy Bresnahan, Caitlin and Michael Combs, and Lauren and Peter Witlen, his six grandchildren, Liam, Lillian and Jackson Bresnahan, William Combs, and Finnegan and Clark Witlen, as well as his brothers John Bresnahan (Christine) and Edward Bresnahan, and many cherished in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Funeral from The Robert J. Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home, 1803 Centre St. West Roxbury on Tuesday July 1, at 9:00 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in The Mission Church, Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 1545 Tremont St. Mission Hill at 10:00 am. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours in the funeral home on Monday June 30, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. Interment private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Neil’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice.