Obituary of Robert Neal

Robert P. "Bob" Neal, LCDR (ret.) US Navy Reserve, passed away at home, surrounded by his family on September 3, 2014. Bob was born on May 18, 1939 in North Chicago to Leo and Frances (Clarke) Neal and was a life-long resident of Wadsworth, IL and member of St. Patrick's Parish. He started Able Electronics in his basement and operated in Waukegan for over 25 years. Bob served in the US Navy active duty from 1957 until 1961 and retired from the Navy Reserves in 1999. He continued his service to country serving with the Lake County Council of the Navy League where he served as President. Bob's life long commitment to the community started at a young age with the boyscouts becoming the first Eagle Scout in St. Patrick's troop 75. Over the years Bob served as President and State Vice-President of the Waukegan Jaycees, founded the Gurnee Jaycees, was a member of the ZB Moose Club, the Knights of Columbus, Waukegan Masonic Lodge 78, Lake County Shrine Club, a Charter member of the Little Fort Lions Club, and Charter member and President of Wadsworth Lions Club where he received the Melvin Jones award in 1996. He served as a Newport Township Volunteer Fireman, Newport Township Civic Assoc Board Member and President, United Way of Lake County Campaign Chairman & President, founding member of the Coalition for Healthy Communities, President of the Waukegan Exchange Club, and President of the Newport Historical Society. Bob served as trustee for the Village of Wadsworth, Newport Township Supervisor, and Republican Precinct Committeeman. He also served on the Lake County Board from 1982-1994, Chairman of the Lake County Republican Central Committee for 8 years, and was appointed director of the Illinois State Tollway Authority by Governors James Thompson and Jim Edgar, serving for 10 years. In addition, he worked for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Wetlands Research, Inc. As president of Wetlands Research he led the development of the Wetlands demonstration project located in Wadsworth and Gurnee and was honored with the naming of Neal Marsh. He was an avid White Sox and Bears fan and enjoyed playing golf, especially with his friends in Sun City, AZ and on the Pickwick Golf League at Willow Glen Golf Course. Bob will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 53 years, Pat (Geissler); Devoted children: Lori Neal, Clyo, GA; Cheri Neal, Zion, Il; Cathy (Rodney) Karlstrand, Wadsworth, Il; Rob Neal, Jr., Gwinn, MI; Joe Neal, Wadsworth, IL (US Navy LT, currently serving in Afghanistan); Adoring Grandchildren: Billy Ditzig, Salt Lake City, Ut; Britney Ditzig, Starkville, MS; Michelle Swanson, Kenosha, WI; Riley Karlstrand, Wadsworth, Il; Melissa Neal, Marquette, MI; Rachel Depuydt, Houghton, MI; Siblings: Bill Neal, Kenosha, WI; Betty (Bill) Hoffmeier, Beach Park, Il; Jim (Janet) Neal, Waukegan, Il; Dorothy Desmond (Kevin Scott), Gurnee, Il; Rick (Deb) Neal, Wadsworth, Il; Sister-in-Law: Martha Neal, Denville, NJ; many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family. Bob was predeceased by his daughter, Michelle Patrice "Miki"; Parents, Leo and Frances Neal; Brother, Clarke Neal. Visitation will be at Immanuel Church, 2300 N. Dilleys Road, Gurnee, on Tuesday, September 9, 2014 from 3:00pm until 8:00pm , with a remembrance service at 6:00pm. A funeral mass will be held at St. Patrick's Church, 15000 Wadsworth Road, Wadsworth, Wednesday, September 10 at 9:30am, with visitation from 8:30 -9:30am. Burial with full military honors will be graveside at Ascension Cemetery, 1920 Buckley Road, Libertyville. In lieu of flowers, you can honor Bob by making donations to Misericordia at www.misericordia.com/donations/donate or the Navy League at lakecountynlus.org or to your own personal cause to help your community.