Richard D. Neff

Richard D. Neff died on Christmas morning, December 2020, of Covid-19, just four days before his 98th birthday. He was born in Dayton, Ohio on December 29, 1922. He is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia Smith Neff. He is also survived by their blended family including
children Nona Neff Alleman, Marna Whittaker, Jack (Glenda) Neff, Susan Marie Munger, Sally (Scott) Harris, Cathy (Dave) Richardson, and David Munger; grandchildren Coleman (Josie) Alleman, Ellen (Jason) Harsin, Matthew Neff, Leah (Jonathon) Meeks), Meredith Whittaker, Brooke Whittaker, Courtney Lynn (Adrian Jurado ) Harris, Kayla (Alex) Kimball, Kaitlyn (Dustin) Cox, and Allie (Eric )Weprin Rosenberg, and great grandchildren Nora, Charlie, Nolan, Heidi Lynn, Mabel, and Issac "Izzy", brother Thomas Neff, sister-in-law Jo Ann Neff, and brother-in-law Pete Smith. There are many loving nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and great grand nieces and grand nephews. He is preceded in death by his son Peter, father Ora, Mother Rhea, sisters Dorothy, Margaret, Phyllis, Betty, brothers Robert, John, Roger, and Bill, and former wife Elizabeth. He had an amazing number of friends whom he loved just like family.

Dick graduated from Stivers High School in 1940 and entered the Army in 1942 during World War II, serving at Pearl Harbor. He graduated from the University of Dayton in 1950 and worked mostly in management and sales in the grocery and food service wholesale supply industries in Dayton.

Dick once said "You can never have too much family" and he never stopped thinking about his family or helping friends and other people. He was a man of consummate patience, kindness, calmness, and compassion. After the death of his older son due to mental illness, he spent decades co-founding and working with The Castle in Centerville, a place that provides support and comfort for adults with mental illness. He was an original member of St. George's Episcopal Church, a longtime member of NCR Country Club, a sports fan, and an avid golfer who enjoyed playing with his Wannabe buddies or family members.

Dick is probably the only person to watch Ewell Blackwell pitch a no hitter for the Cincinnati Reds in 1947 and Homer Bailey do the same thing 66 years later in 2013.

There is a circle of life for some people, where they come into the world thinking only of themselves and leaving the same way. This certainly is not true of Dick. In the confusion and difficulty of his final hours, he looked up and said (not clear to whom) "I can do something for somebody." Later after saying his goodbyes, he became very concerned that his son might be risking infection by being with him and sent him on his way. Dick died peacefully a few hours later.

A funeral service is planned for both Cindy and Dick Neff on Saturday, June 12, 2021, 11:00 am, at St. George's Episcopal Church, 5520 Far Hills Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45459. Interment of ashes, St. George's Episcopal Church Memorial Garden. Face mask and social distancing will be required.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions in Cindy's name may be sent to St. George's Episcopal Church, or The Friends of the Castle, 133 North Main Street, Centerville, Ohio 45459.