SOUTH PARIS – John Elliot Neal, 79, of 176 Stewart Ave., Farmington, passed peacefully on Wednesday morning, Jan. 5, 2011, at the South Paris Veterans’ Home where he had resided since Sept. 9, 2010.
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He was born June 19, 1931, in Farmington, the son of Clyde Sanborn and Kathryn (Rolf) Woodworth Neal. He was educated in the schools of Mt. Vernon and Farmington, receiving his GED in 1966.
He was a veteran, having served for three years in the U.S. Army; two of those years he served in Berlin, Germany. He was honorably discharged as a CPL.
On Sept. 3, 1954, he married Marjorie Etta Fitch. For several years, he worked with his father as a mechanic. He later worked for Lewis Fitch Lumber Co. and in 1966 he began his 20-year career at International Paper Co. in Jay.
John enjoyed his memberships in the New Sharon Historical Society, the American Legion Post 28 of Farmington and Masonic Lodge 99 of Mt. Vernon. His hobbies included hunting, playing cards and bowling. His creativity could be seen in his unique woodworking projects that included tables, clocks, specialty furniture and mirrors.
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He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marjorie, of Farmington; their three sons: Kenneth Lewis Neal and his wife, Jo of Rumford Point; Robert Elliot Neal and his wife Deanne of East Wilton and David Albert Neal of New Vineyard; five grandchildren: Ryan E. Neal and his wife Kim of Theresa, N.Y.; Jenna M. Neal of Fairbanks, Me.; Danielle M. Neal of Wilton; and Sarah Neal and Hannah Neal, both of Industry and their mother, Nicola Witt of Industry; three great-grandchildren: Colton Welch of Fairbanks; Riley Neal and Karley Neal, both of New York; cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents: Clyde S. Neal in 1992 and Kathryn Woodworth Neal in 1982; brothers: Frank Stanley Neal in 1979; Ray Arthur Neal in 2001 and a sister, Florence Eva Kelly in 1991.
Public memorial graveside services will be held in the springtime at Fairview Cemetery, Farmington. In lieu of flowers, remembrance gifts may be given to either the New Sharon Historical Society c/o Marjorie Neal 176 Stewart Ave., Farmington, Me. 04938 or to the South Paris Veteran’s Home 477 High St. S. Paris, Maine 04281. Condolences and tributes may be shared with the Neal Family at www.wilesrc.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Wiles Remembrance Center, 137 Farmington Falls Rd., (Rtes. 2 & 27) Farmington.
