William Robert Neel Jr.

William Robert Neel Jr., 80, died Monday at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital with his family by his side.

He was born at home in Downieville, Pa., to William R. and Kathyrn (McKinney) Neel on Sept. 22, 1937.

He was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Penn State football, where he attended the university for engineering.

Bill lived a full life most would never see. His passion for justice led him to run for several public offices, including U.S. Congress. He participated in and led a variety of civil and women's rights and anti-war actions, and he had a never-ending kindness to help others in need.

After retiring from Armco, he taught electrical circuitry and was an electrical inspector.

Bill is survived by his wife, Nancy (Orr) Neel, whom he married in 1964; his son, Kevin (Satarupa) of San Mateo, Calif.; his daughter, Erin (Beau) of Oakland, Calif.; and eight siblings, Pat Lamberson of West Grove, Pa., Nikki (Rich) Weaver of Mars, Linda (Larry) Fox of Valencia, Richard (Nancy) Neel of West Newton, Betty (Bob) Fox of Butler, Joyce Neel of Butler, Kim Neel of Butler, and Susie (Mike) Brashear of Saxonburg; and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by a brother-in-law and friend, Bob Lamberson.

NEEL— Friends of William Robert Neel Jr., who died Monday, Oct. 23, 2017, will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Young Funeral Home, 127 W. Jefferson St., Butler.Services will be held at the funeral home at 11 a.m. Friday. Interment will be at Mars Cemetery, Mars.In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of Bill's favorite organizations: Thomas Merton Center, Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, WQED, or ACLU.For more information, go to www.youngfuneralhomes.com.