Nearly a month after his 52nd birthday, he passed away unexpectedly during the early morning hours of June 23. He was a current resident of Riverside NJ, formerly of Mount Holly NJ and Tucson AZ, and a long time resident of Willingboro NJ. He was the son of the late Watson and Ethel Harris and brother of the late Helen Martin. Neal struggled most recently with diabetes late in life. rnWhile growing up in Mount Holly, Neal joined the Boy Scouts and obtained the rank of Eagle Scout. He attended Holy Cross High School in the mid 70’s where he was a nationally recognized athlete obtaining a football scholarship to the University of Arizona and also an honor student, being named to the National Honor Society. Neal was a mountain of a man in spirit and in size, to his friends, family and life-long teammates. Playing all four years at Left Offensive Tackle at Arizona he protected the “Blind-Side” of the Quarterback on the field and always had your back in life for those lucky enough to be called his friends. Neal obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Arizona in 1983, and also his Master’s of Education from the same university. He loved working with young people in sports and education teaching and or coaching for much of his adult life before becoming handicapped with diabetes. rn A Memorial Service and Luncheon will be held in his honor for those wanting to help celebrate his life and memory on July 17th from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM at the Samuel Lambert VFW Post 3020, 1125 Fairview Street, Delran NJ 08075 (856) 461-9785. rn
15 Comments
I will miss Neal, he was a good friend. He was an inspirational part of my children’s lives as a very large, powerful and caring Uncle. I also take a personal message of paying more attention to the temporary home I inhabit in this body. You have everything when you have your health. Rest in peace now.
Teammate, roommate, friend. I am blessed to have been able to call him all 3. While distance put us apart for many years, I will always remember him. And I’m so glad that he was able to meet my kids and share his motivational expertise with them.rnWhile his life was cut way too short, he may now finally rest.rnGod Bless ya big fella. May you Rest in Peace
Jamie, I know how much you loved your buddy Neal and how much you are missing him. You & Neal have many memories & you will being sharing them with everyone on Saturday. You remember everything. Neal will be laughing where ever he is. Neal….till we meet again. rnrnJoanne
BIG NEALrnBIG HEARTrnBIG FOOTBALL FANrnBIG DADDY’S FRIENDrnTHERE MUST BE ALOT OF LAUGHTER IN HEAVEN WITH YOU & FERNANDO NOWrnYOU WILL BE MISSED!rnMON
Big guy, thanks for sharing your life with Wayne and I. I’ll cherish the good times, football trips, visits with Ethel and Hellen, your graduation, your many trips back to Tucson I love you Neal, you were the best. God will take away all your disappointments and sadness and give you peace. You and Wayne have a beer and wait for me. Love and blessings always.
Neal was one of those people that could always put a smile on your face, and it never mattered how long since you had last seen him because you knew he was a friend for life. He will be missed by many of us who were lucky to have gotten to know him.
I agree Neal was one of those rare people who could always make you smile.Last time I saw you in tuscon we talked about our preperation for your big ‘Speech’ remember freshman year speech class rest easy big guy.My sympathy to all Neal’s friends, family
Big Neal… Man so much that I could say.I’m really going to miss you along with so many former Cats. We will have so many Neal stories to tell when we get together and we know that you will be there laughing with us every time we get together.It is rare when someone touches so many people you will never be forgotten my friend… RIP #77.nnLove ya mann
My deepest sympathies to Neal’s family and many friends. I went to HCHS with Neal and was friends with him and several other members of the football team. The guys, on many occasions, came over to my house to hang out and mostly talk football with my Dad. My Dad really embraced them, especially Neal. When my Dad passed away in 1981, Neal called me from Arizona. It was one of the kindest things that anyone did for me. I never forgot that.rnI will always be grateful that Neal was a part of my life. May you rest in peace.
I remember Neil through high school.rnMy thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Neal. A big man? Yes. Big to hold all the love, personality, humor, talent, and knowledge. What fun we had sitting in Big Daddy’s sharing stories or just listening to his. Holy Cross football was a big part of his life and we spent many hours discussing our separate football experiences at Holy Cross. Although we played at different times, our memories were similar. He always kept things interesting. We are so proud to call Neal our friend and to have been able to spend time with him in better days. He must have been taken to go on to bigger and better things. He loved sharing his knowledge of sports and life with young people. He made us laugh….. now he makes us cry. Fernando and Neal are laughing and enjoying each others company once agin. Hey guys, save some bar stools for those of us, you left behind. Fish and wife.(Den & Jen)
Neil – Thanks for the great memories both on and off the field. I’ll never forget the time you got into a confrontational wrestling match with Coach Shea during practice. Wow, what an experience trying to break-it-up! My Holy Cross years would never be the same with out you as a team mate. You’re in my thoughts and Prayers every time I drive on I-77. Keep the faith and always protect the “Blind-Side” of God. ~ Respectfully, John R Dattilio
I knew Neal and his mother and sister for many years. Sorry they all are gone now.
I knew Neal when he was very young and also his mother, father and sister. So sorry they are gone.
I grew up with Neal in Mt Holly, Cardinal Lane. So sorry he passed, RIP buddy. I was shocked to find out, I was looking to reach out to him, so this hurts.