Richard Neel's Obituary
Richard "Dick" Neel, 87, of Salem, New Hampshire passed away in the comfort of his beloved home on Saturday, July 22, 2023. He was born August 30, 1935 in Lawrence, MA. to Samuel and Genevieve (Clancy) Neel. Dick was a graduate from Central Catholic, class of 1953 and attended Merrimack College. He worked at the IRS for over three decades. Dick met his sweetheart, Ann, when they were 14 and 15 years old. They danced to big band music at Canobie Lake Park for many years. He was an avid fisherman, attended daily mass for decades, and prayed for his extensive family. Dick was known for his ‘green thumb’, especially for roses.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 68 years, Ann (McGovern) Neel.
His eight children include Stephen and wife Diana of Salem, NH; Colleen Titone and husband Joseph of Methuen, MA; Maureen Mocera and husband James of Methuen, MA; Richard and wife Justine of Methuen, MA; Terrance Neel of Salem, NH; Kevin and wife Patricia of Methuen, MA; Frank and wife Susan of Bangor, ME; Sean and wife Kathleen of Methuen, MA.
His twenty-one grandchildren include
Jason Neel, Jennifer Neel, Meaghan Carabello, Charles Desrochers, Caitlin Zahn, Sarah Schneider, Deven Neel, Thomas Neel, Michael Neel, Loren Neel, Christine Dumont, Lindsay Turner, Joseph Mocera, Adam Neel, Kathleen Neel, Patrick Neel, Daniel Neel, Jonathan Neel, James Neel, Gavin Neel, and Grayce Neel.
His seventeen great-grandchildren include
Johnny, Emma, Titus, Hannah, Olivia, Mia, Joey, Ellie, Charlie, Domenic, Lily, Wyatt, Wesley, Justina, Zoey, Julia, and Elena.
Dick was predeceased by his sister, Jean (Neel) Carney and his granddaughter, Jennifer Neel.
The family thanks Steve, nurse at Pathways Healthcare, for his genuine love and care.
Family and friends are cordially invited to call on Sunday, July 30, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 122 Amesbury Street, Lawrence, MA.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, July 31st at 11 a.m. in St. Theresa’s/Our Lady of Good Counsel in Methuen, MA.
Memorial Contributions in Lieu of Flowers: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; National Multiple Sclerosis Society; National Kidney Foundation; or charity of your choice. For online condolences and other information please visit us at www.breenfuneralhome.com.
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