Robert E. Neal
The West Sunbury community lost a wonderful, loving and caring man Thursday evening. Robert E. “Bob” Neal, 68, passed away at his home after a tragic accident.
Bob was born May 2, 1948, in Kittanning. He was the son of the late Delano F. “Barney” Neal and the late Helen M. (Shick) Neal.
He was a member of the West Sunbury Presbyterian Church. Bob proudly served his county during the Vietnam War as an aircraft mechanic for the United States Air Force. He continued to serve his country by serving with the United States Army Reserves in Butler for 20 years. Bob was a past commander of the American Legion Post 243 in West Sunbury.
Bob had a story to tell and a joke or two for everyone he met. He was a farm boy from his first breath until his last. He grew up helping his father with the farm and his prize show horses. He was a union carpenter for years and, of course, he brought the job home with him. One never knew what he was going to build or add to his home next. After Bob hurt his leg, he retired from Valley Bus Lines and became a full-time “Pappy.”
Bob met his wife, Dianne, and knew she was his love and they were married 19 years ago on June 21, 1997. A man who thought his three wonderful children had his heart full of love, never realized Dianne's girls would make it overflow. His world changed forever.
Bob was always there to lend a hand, and he would help anyone who would ask or if they just looked like they needed him. He always had a smile on his face and was so happy. Part of the reason for the huge smile was his 11 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. They were truly his “pride and joy.” Whether it was a sporting event, a play, or grandparents lunch, he loved being with them. Those “kiddos” could do no wrong. He loved to joke and pick on them and they would all give him the same response, “Ahhhh Pap!”
Bob is survived by his loving and broken-hearted wife, Dianne (LeGrand) Neal; his sons, James Neal and John (Mary Jo) Neal; his daughters, Angela (Jason) Geibel, Paula (Jeff) Painter and Stacy (Joseph Bowser) Riding; 11 grandchildren, Sarahlea (Richard) Humes, Bill (Crystal) Scott, Dylan Neal, Camren Neal, JoElla Neal, Shianne Painter, Blayde Painter, Averi Riding, Bishop Riding, Layden Painter, and Jaylynn Geibel and great grandchildren, Devon Humes, Blaze Humes, Jayme Morrison, Elijah Scott and Zoey Scott. Also surviving are his two nephews, James Mains and Michael Koski, and his special friend, who was like a sister, Marceel Torres.
Bob is preceded in death by one sister, Nancy Koski.
NEAL — The family of Robert E. “Bob” Neal, who died Thursday, June 30, 2016, will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the William F. Young Funeral Home, 132 Main St., West Sunbury.Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the West Sunbury Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Jeffrey Lang, his pastor, officiating. Everyone is asked to please meet at the church.Burial will be private.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the family.If desired, online condolences may be submitted at www.williamfyoungfh.com.
