Neil (Cornelius) Thibodeau, 71 passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 11.  He was the son of the late Mary Clare (O'Neill) Thibodeau and Cornelius Thibodeau of Watertown, CT.  He is survived by his beloved wife Dani (Danuta) Thibodeau and two children John (Natasha Linn) Thibodeau of Arlington, VA and Laura (Stephen) Salvini of Galena, Ohio, and two grandchildren, Max and Lorelei Thibodeau. He is also survived by a sister, Mary Clare (Tom) Murray and his nephew Tommy Murray.  He was a devoted husband, father and brother.

He worked as a guidance counselor in Cheshire High School, Cheshire, CT for more than 35 years, positively touching the lives of thousands of students. For many years, he coached field hockey, soccer, baseball and basketball for Region 15 and Southbury Parks and Recreation.  After retiring, he filled his days working on real estate ventures and landscaping. Neil was known for his kindness and generosity to others. His love of life, positive attitude and wonderful sense of humor brought happiness and joy into the lives of all who knew him.

Calling hours for friends and family will be held at Munson-Lovetere Funeral home, 235 Main St North on Sunday, April 15 from 3PM to 6PM. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 16 at 11 AM at Sacred Heart Church, 910 Main St South, Southbury, with a burial service to follow at Mt Olivet Cemetery in Watertown.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Neil's name to: Southbury Ambulance Association, 68 Georges Hill Road, Southbury, CT 06488.