Neil was a graduate of Fort Lauderdale High School (Class of 1951) and received a full scholarship in band from the University of Miami. Neil was proud of achieving Scabbard and Blade honors in R.O.T.C. at the University of Miami. Neil graduated from the school in June 1955 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Business, while also majoring in Spanish.
After university and serving in the U.S. Army stationed at Fort Bliss and Milwaukee, Neil joined the Army reserves for 6 years rising to the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Neil further went on to farm with his Uncle Charlie in Cuba for several years. In Cuba he was adored for his almost native ability with the Spanish language and his saxophone playing. Unfortunately, his popularity was not shared by Castro and Neil narrowly escaped prison. This caused severe emotional and physical stress which would take its toll in later years in poor health and isolation.
Returning to the United States, being an avid fisherman he worked at Pompanette Fishing Company as a machinist in Hollywood for several years.
Those who knew Neil had known a very intelligent person, a good guy with a kind soul, who loved nature and a good joke. Many people will remember Neil with his parrot on his shoulder strolling along Las Olas Blvd.
His family in later years was his wonderful church family, at First United Methodist.
Neil is survived by a brother, Ron, a sister, Mar-Sue, nieces Kit and Leigh, and nephews Will and Kenneth. He was predeceased by his brother, Don, and nephew, Michael.
Visitation was Friday 6-8:00PM Aon pril 9th at Fred Hunter Funeral Home just south of the New River tunnel. The burial was at 9:00 A.M. Saturday at Evergreen Cemetery. Followed by a 10:00 A.M. Memorial Service at First United Methodist Church.
Neil was a graduate of Fort Lauderdale High School (Class of 1951) and received a full scholarship in band from the University of Miami. Neil was proud of achieving Scabbard and Blade honors in R.O.T.C. at the University of Miami. Neil graduated from the school in June 1955 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Business, while also majoring in Spanish.
After university and serving in the U.S. Army stationed at Fort Bliss and Milwaukee, Neil joined the Army reserves for 6 years rising to the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Neil further went on to farm with his Uncle Charlie in Cuba for several years. In Cuba he was adored for his almost native ability with the Spanish language and his saxophone playing. Unfortunately, his popularity was not shared by Castro and Neil narrowly escaped prison. This caused severe emotional and physical stress which would take its toll in later years in poor health and isolation.
Returning to the United States, being an avid fisherman he worked at Pompanette Fishing Company as a machinist in Hollywood for several years.
Those who knew Neil had known a very intelligent person, a good guy with a kind soul, who loved nature and a good joke. Many people will remember Neil with his parrot on his shoulder strolling along Las Olas Blvd.
His family in later years was his wonderful church family, at First United Methodist.
Neil is survived by a brother, Ron, a sister, Mar-Sue, nieces Kit and Leigh, and nephews Will and Kenneth. He was predeceased by his brother, Don, and nephew, Michael.
Visitation was Friday 6-8:00PM Aon pril 9th at Fred Hunter Funeral Home just south of the New River tunnel. The burial was at 9:00 A.M. Saturday at Evergreen Cemetery. Followed by a 10:00 A.M. Memorial Service at First United Methodist Church.
Inscription
Here Lies A Good Guy With A Kind Soul.
Who Loved God, Nature, His Parrot And A Good Joke.
Gravesite Details
U.S. Army Veteran.
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