Obituary from Wellsville Daily Reporter
WELLSVILLE - Richard E. Neal, 82, of 48 Rauber Street, passed away Friday (Aug. 15, 2008) at his home.
He was born July 23, 1926 in Lima, Ohio, the son of Victor L. and Carrie Ruth (Coffman) Neal. On Oct. 11, 1952, he married Bonnie Blackman, who survives.
Dick was a 1944 graduate of Wellsville High School. He was a veteran of WWII, serving with the U. S. Navy as a tail gunner in the Pacific Theater of Operation. He then graduated from the School of Modern Photography in New York City. He was formerly employed as a machinist by Butler-Larkin Company and Worthington Corporation, both of Wellsville. He later owned and operated Neal's Photography in Wellsville for 30 years. He was well known for his historical photographs of the flood of 1972 and several of those photos can be found on the Allegany County Historical Website. He was also known for his historical post cards of the Wellsville area. Many of his photographs won awards at the New York State Photographers Convention.
He was a life member of the Wellsville Moose Lodge No. 601, was a past District Governor of the Moose and was a former member of the Morrison-Hayes Post No. 702 American Legion. He founded the Wellsville Horseshoe League and was an avid bowler, golfer and fisherman.
Surviving in addition to his wife of 55 years, are four children, Charles Neal and his wife, Suzanne Spicer of Wellsville, Lisa Neal Keegan and her husband, Chip of Rodman, Douglas Neal and his wife, Stella Young of Wellsville, and Thomas Neal and his companion, Debbie Ireland of Fort Ann; ten grandchildren; and one aunt, Mary Russell of Ovid. He was predeceased by two brothers, William and Rober Neal.
Friends are invited to call from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Monday at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 34 W. State St., Wellsville. A memorial service will take place 11 a.m. Tuesday in the funeral home with Rev. Lewis Mericle presiding. Military honors will follow the service. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial suggestions include Home Care & Hospice or the Make-A-Wish Foundation.