Rob Neal

Robert F. Neal, Jr. Rob, 37, of Williamstown Road, Lanesboro, Massachusetts, died of a heart attack Friday 19 January 2007 at the Berkshire Medical Center. Rob had a deep appreciation of and passion for the outdoors, which was nurtured at an early age by hiking with his late grandfather, Fred Neal. Growing up in Madison, CT, Rob enjoyed fishing and exploring the woods surrounding his home, and spending time at the ocean. His experience with the Boys Scouts of America in West Hartford taught him how he could create a life that incorporated nature into its very core. He enjoyed spending time at the seaside, in the mountains, in the woods?anywhere he could connect peacefully with the rhythms of nature. Rob created deep and lasting friendships. He was committed to his family and friends and was dedicated to always strengthening his relationships with both. He did not allow distance to diminish his care and concern for those he loved. He lived by an admirable, strict, personal code of ethics which was not swayed by pressure or complaint. Rob was always first to defend the defenseless, champion the underdog, and play with children. His mischievous moods were always first apparent by the twinkle in his eyes?and in those moments it was best to prepare for anything. Born 14 June 1969, Rob was a graduate of William H. Hall High School in West Hartford, earned his BS at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, and his MBA at the University of Connecticut. He had recently left the employ of The Hartford to begin working in the Information Technologies division at Berkshire Life of America. Rob is survived by his parents, Robert and Regina Neal of West Hartford, a younger sister, Kathleen Kitty Neal of New London, and a younger brother, Parker PJ Neal of Cambridge, MA. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday 27 January 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Timothy?s Church, 1116 North Main Street, West Hartford. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Guilford Land Conservation Trust, PO Box 200, Guilford, CT, 06437 www.guilfordlandtrust.org, specifically for the preservation of Westwoods in Guilford. Molloy Funeral Home, West Hartford has care of arrangements.

Rob Neal

June 14, 1969 - January 19, 2007