Cornelius “Neil” Obanhein, 90, a native and lifelong resident of Stockbridge, died at his home on Quiet Knoll Road on Thursday, December 7, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Pittsfield on February 28, 1933, the son of John and Cecelia Devanney Obanhein. He attended schools in Stockbridge and Florida.
During the Korean War, Neil proudly served his country with the U.S. Army 3rd Armored Division and the 7th Army in Germany. He worked at Clark Aiken and retired from Peter J. Schweitzer in 1995 as a pipefitter. He was a past member of the Stockbridge Fire Department and a member of the Stockbridge Sportsman Club.
Neil enjoyed fishing, hunting, and gardening and was a very proud grandfather. His home and yard were a passion and a priority in his life.
Neil leaves his wife, the former Mary Sinico, with whom he had just celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. The two were married on October 24, 1959. Neil also leaves his son James Obanhein and his wife Kimberly; his daughter Diane Netzer and her husband Robert; and three grandchildren, Jonathan Obanhein and Olivia and Dylan Netzer. He was predeceased by his son Michael in 1988; his brothers, William and John Obanhein; and his sister Nancy Miller. He is also predeceased by five brothers-in-law, Albert Sinico, Joseph Sinico, Domenic Broggi, William Derrick, and Ernest Cardillo, and his sister-in-law Norma Cardillo. He is survived by five sisters-in-law, Patricia Salvadore, Anne Broggi, Margaret Derrick, Kathy Sinico, and Pat Sinico; three brothers-in-law, Robert Sinico, William Sinico, and Martin Salvadore; and several nieces and nephews.
On Saturday, December 16, at 10 a.m., there will be a Mass celebrated with Father Brian McGrath at Saint Joseph Church in Stockbridge. Military Honors will be conducted immediately following funeral services. Burial will be held at a later date. Neil’s immediate family will welcome friends and family at 11 a.m., at the Stockbridge Sportsmen Club, Route 102, Stockbridge, to celebrate his full life. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in Neil’s memory may be made to the Stockbridge Fire Department Michael J. Obanhein Scholarship Fund. Checks may be mailed in care of the Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main St., Lee, MA 01238. If you would like to leave a message of condolence or share pictures or stories, please visit Kelly Funeral Home’s website.
