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Neal Behan Obituary
He was born and spent his formative years in Jersey City, N.J. A graduate of St. Michael's High School, Neal received a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Peter's College, Jersey City, and a Master of Science degree from the University of Arkansas.
Following graduation from St. Peter's College, he was honorably discharged from the United States Navy and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Upon completion of OCS at Quantico, Va., Neal was appointed a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. In 1984, after 31 years of service to his country, retirement presented the opportunity to continue to serve his community in other ways.
Neal was a member of the board of the Willow Oaks Recreational Association for several years. He was a past president of the Kiwanis Club of Hampton, Past Lt. Governor, Capital District, and District Chairman of the Kiwanis International Foundation. Neal welcomed the challenge to help others, especially children, through Kiwanis. He cherished the memories and friendships made over the years.
Neal was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred Behan; and father, Cornelius J. Behan.
He is survived by his wife, Jo; children, Cornelius F. Behan, Durham, N.C.; Judith and Jay Classen, Holly Springs, N.C.; Marykate and Steve Dougherty, Arlington, Va.; Heidi and Joseph Behan, Lorton, Va.; Jerami and Michael Behan; grandchildren, Meghan and Jacob Classen, Holly Springs; Sean Dougherty, Arlington; Elijah, Caitlin, Claire, Caden and Carys Behan, Lorton. Also surviving is a maternal aunt, Rose G. Miller, Jersey City.
A mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 30, at 3 p.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Hampton. Following the mass, the family will receive friends from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the Crown Plaza, Hampton. Memorials can be directed to The Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters, 601 Childrens Lane, Norfolk, VA 23507.
Arrangements are by Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions, 2609 Cunningham Dr. in Hampton, 757-825-8070. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Neal Behan
Patricia Ruffin
July 2, 2010
Dear Josephine,
I am sorry to hear of the passing of your husband. You have my most sincerest condolences.
Bob Veith
June 30, 2010
To Jo and the rest of the Behan Family. I have been involved with Neal on many, many Fund Raisers for the Children's Hospital, and no one worked any harder or more diligently than Neal. He was a Prince among Men, and someone I was proud to call a friend. His Fund-Raising Efforts and Friendship will be greatly missed! My prayers are with you!
Bob Veith
Past President,
Childrens Kiwanis Emergency Center Foundation (CKEC)
H.L. Marks
June 30, 2010
We'll all miss him. Neal was a wonderful Kiwanian and friend. Our heartfelt prayers and love go out to his family. May God bless and confort you.
H.L. and Jane Marks
Jim and Elizabeth McGrath
June 29, 2010
Jim and I would to express our deepest sympathies to the Behan family during this difficult time.
Wanda Savedge
June 28, 2010
Josephine,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the death of your husband. I think of you often.
Wanda Savedge
Newport News Dept. of Human Services
Hank & Cal Gibson
June 27, 2010
To Jo and Family;
Our prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. We remember Neal fondly from our time in Kiwanis in Hampton. We were members of the Old Point Club.
June 27, 2010
we are so glad we got to spend thanksgiving with the behan family. it was a happy occasion and will be remembered by all of us.nick and mary smith
Scott Whitehead
June 27, 2010
I was a company grade officer at Supply Battalion when Lt.Col. Behan was the I&I. He was well respected by all and a great Marine. Semper Fi, Lt.Col. Behan!
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