Dear Tara and PO,
I am so sorry to only just hear of your loss.
I only met your Father once at your wedding in Paris and he was such a gregarious character. My thoughts are with you all at this time.
Love Dervla

continued.....As I get older and have a family of my own, I realize that perhaps the reason I remember this is because it demonstrates the spirit of life that Neil had and the love he always had for Jane to just feel the moment and get up and dance with the women he loved to a song that moved him. Now I realize that it is a lesson in life that I have carried with me to this day. To not hold back, and enjoy every moment you have in life because it is those small moments that make up a happy and fulfilled life. Thanks Uncle Neil for that life lesson. I will have it with me forever.

When I was a kid, Neil and Jane took me to Wicwas lake in New Hampshire with Tara and Allison. I have many memories of Neil on this trip from the car ride up, to the week long stay at Colsen's cabin. One memory that sticks out is when one night we were sitting around the dinner table and the song "Puttin' on the Ritz" came on the radio. (This was the 80's remake version of the song). I remember Neil getting up from the table and grabbing Jane to dance to the song right there in the dinning room with the three of us as their audience. They were spinning each other around and really getting into it. As a kid, it seemed a little strange and I was probably a little embarrassed watching them. But to this day, that memory sticks in my head.

Jane and my wife,Mary, grew up together in the Rockaways, the land of Irish bars.It was the late sixties and I was dating Mary and Jane was going out with Neil. The ladies decided to go out on a double date. Neil drove and I believe he was driving a Volkswagen at the time. Well I thought we were in a NASCAR race. I was scared stiff and decided next time I would wear a helmet. After the night I was driving home and I thought this guy is really crazy. After a few more nights out together my initial opinion was confirmed. He was one of a kind. Neil, however, was nice crazy. When he put his mind to it he could do anything. Cars, cooking whatever. He took up jogging and instead of running a mile or two he'd go five miles. We have known each other nearly forty years and I've seen him in all different sizes of clothes.I don't think petite was one of them.In any event he was a stand-up guy with a laugh not to be forgotten. It was an honor and pleasure to know him.

Dear Tara and Po,

We only had the pleasure of meeting your father once at your wedding. I remember how happy and excited he was for you, Tara. We have been thinking a lot about you and your family at this time.

Lots of love, Mollie and Ludovic

continued...I had a car when I was 16 and learned to tune, time, do points, fix brakes, etc, Neil could do all that and more. He could take the engine all apart an rebuild it. He had a great eye for decorating and knowing what would look good in a room.. The house in Conn. was an example. He made the best spinach salad. He had a hard edge and a big heart. I remember the time,don't remember where, Neil, Ray Carr and Michael, his son,and I were talking about fishing. Michael was a preeteen and all into fishing. Neil left the room and came back with his fishing box which he gave to Michael. It had everything in it. We were all in shock as we knew that was one of Neil's prized possessions. We also knew that was a moment we would all never forget. I'll miss you, brother

continued.. You guessed it. One tine went into Neil's leg. I panicked and began to suck out the blood and dirt. I said, "Don't tell Mom and Dad," which Neil promptly did. Neil and I were just talking about this last month. Fast forward a number of years. Neil is 15 and I am 23 and I am dating Nancy. Neil had a favorite handout the "Rainbow", a bar in Bellerose that had a pool table and would serve kids. Whenever Neil was late coming home, we knew where to find him and chase him home. One day my father found out about the "Rainbow". He went in the front (there was no back door,no escape). Neil was hiding as best he could in back of the pool table.My father grabbed the bartender across the bar, my father was a "Golden Gloves" boxer, and said,"Do you see that kid in there? He is my son and he is 15, I don't ever want to find him in here again" He knew it was more effective to tell him than to tell Neil.

I would like to share some of the memories of Neil and I growing up in Bellerose. We lived with our parents, Jim and Edna, in a house that backed up to a railtoad which brought supplies to Creedmore, a state hospital, in Queens Village. It ran once a day, there and back. The train ran in a slight depression, about 1oo' feet wide and provided the homes with some additional land with which to grow food during WW2. Every house had a "Victory Garden". About the time I was 16, Neil was 8, the little brother who wanted to be where his big brother was. It was my job to turn over the soil for planting in the spring. A friend, Richie Farrington,came over and we, being bored, started to try to throw the pitchfork into the slight hillside of the backyard. Well, Neil ran and I threw the the pitchfork, sticking it in the hill behing him. Richie wanted a turn and Neil ran in front of us and stoppped just as Richie threw the pitchfork.

The world will never be the same because of the beautiful difference one life has made. In loving memory of someone very special. Neil enriched our lives. My deepest sympathy.

For the few and too brief years that I got to know Neil, I can truly say he was a great guy. He made you feel so welcome at his home, and it was clear he enjoyed people, a good meal, and a good glass of wine. Most of all he loved and cherished his family. You would never know he was battling a serious illness because he was always cheerful and funny. May the family comfort one another with all the fond memories that life with such a man is filled with. I pray for God to bless and comfort you all.

When Jerry, Neil's brother, and I met, Neil was only thirteen. I have known him for a long time. He was this cute faced little boy. As he grew, so did is desire for sowing his wild oats. I can remember a few dates Jerry and I spent looking for Neil before his father would find him.Then something happened. Not only did he mature, but he met Jane. He settled down

He always said that Jane saved him. He was always creative, a good cook and a fine carpenter. But he truly became the wonderful person we all know. His heart was as big or even bigger than he was. He was embraced by my family and my friends. We had wild neighborhood parties and Neil was always invited to come. For their wedding in our backyard, the whole neighborhood came out to help and participate in the arrangements. He helped to raise two wonderful daughters. He adored his grandchildren. I can't believe I will not see him again but I am comforted by his many, many memories. Neil, I love you and will miss you so very much.

We met Mr. Cleary on one occasion, at Tara's wedding, and his presence on that day is vivid in our memory.

As is his humour and warm welcome at breakfast the morning after.

Our thoughts are with you Tara, and with the family.

Anita and Nick
London UK
xx

Jane - Please accept our sincere condolences. We thoroughly enjoyed Neil's company at family affairs and are well aware of the love that Kevin, Kim, Brittany and Nicholas have for him. Kevin talks often about the good times they had with Neil this past summer. May the wonderful memories you have sustain you at this difficult time.

Dearest Tara and Family

I am very sorry for your loss, and pass on my condolences at the sad time. I only had the pleasure of meeting your father at your wedding and was honoured to do that. thinking of you Daniela xxxxx