Search by Name
Search by Name
1952
2012
John "Big John" Neal
May 9, 1952-
Dec. 20, 2012
Resident of San Jose
John passed away suddenly at home. Devoted son of the late John C. Neal and Mary E. Wickman; loving brother of Richard and Pat Neal, Nancy Bunnell, and Joanne Chappell; father to James Womack; uncle of Julie, Brenda, and Brooke. John was Santa to countless children over the past 40 years. He was active in the San Juan Service Club of San Juan Bautista, as well as a driver and official in the sport of destruction derby. John's passion for life and his sense of humor touched everyone he met. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, January 20, 2013, 2:00 p.m. at the San Juan VFW Hall, 58 Monterey St., San Juan Bautista.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
John you sure are missed by many of us my friend. You were a good man left us all to early buddy.
Bill Oxner
Bill Oxner
Friend
December 23, 2022
Christmas has come and gone and once again you weren't here. it's been a year and some days and I can't believe still that you are gone. No words can express how much I miss you - and that my girls miss you!
December 26, 2013
Forever in our hearts, John!
Pat Davis
December 24, 2013
One year my childhood and life long friend. Hard to believe that you are gone. We miss you and may you forever RIP, my dear friend!
December 24, 2013
Vikki casas
December 24, 2013
I miss you so much - still can't believe you aren't here anymore.Called your cell phone the other day just to check and it was turned off (:((
June 30, 2013
hi sweetheart...
Thinking about you and wishing we could take a ride on your motorcycle like we did the last few 4th of July's...I miss you and love the memories !
Hugs and kisses Baby !!! xoxoxo
June 27, 2013
Victoria Casas
May 27, 2013
Missed your phone call on my birthday this last weekend. I enjoyed very much that call and sparked the fond memories of shenanigans we use to get into, living next door to each other. Hard to believe you are gone my childhood, and beyond, friend!
April 22, 2013
April 20, 2013
The annual flower sale in SJB was today, I went of course and Jamie was there - it was hard to be there without you there - miss you so much my friend.
April 14, 2013
Thinking of you on this day.
Cristina
January 20, 2013
I still remember the day I first met John and Chico back in 2011 at petsmart.I am a huge german shepard lover and so I fell in love with Chico and from that day on I became Chicos groomer.My heart broke when I found out about Johns passing.Im going to miss your jokes and that great personality.You rest in paradise my friend <3 always in prayer
cristina
January 20, 2013
OMG I just learned this horrible news and am completely and honestly saddened. I have known Big John for about 15 years, he was a friend, a confidant and part of my family. My girls and some of my grandkids knew him as other than "Santa". No words an express how much of a void his passing will leave in our lives. RIP my friend - you will be sooo missed.
Vikki Casas
January 5, 2013
Big John was a wonderful, kind, fun to be around former employee and friend. As an employee, one time John called me "babycake". I turned around and said, "If it was anyone but you, I'd deck 'em." We laughed and from that pt many times, just for laughs, John would use "babycake". I always reminded him that he was the only person who could get by with that. He lite up a room with his jokes and enjoying life. I'll miss his friendship.
Linda Houston
January 3, 2013
Rest in Peace my friend
Ken Prince
January 2, 2013
R.I.P Big John. One real gentle giant of a person. Was truly great to have you as a friend for the last 5+ years. Will always remember your jokes and the way you enjoyed life. You knew how to have fun, how to make friends and how to take care of them. I will miss our poker games. The annual poker night at Saint Francis Cabrini school will not be the same without you. Heaven is better off now that you have arrived
Gil Portillo
January 1, 2013
Happy New Year Baby !!!
Lauren Dahl
January 1, 2013
I love you Angel !
Lauren Dahl
December 31, 2012
I miss you sweetheart more than ever ! There are no words to describe the kind of friend you were...I love you so much angel ! Xoxoxo
Lauren Dahl
December 31, 2012
Vios Con Dios dear friend, until we meet again
Tom & Susie Chivers
December 31, 2012
Big john I'm sure goin to miss u so much and the humor that u always brought with u every time u came to visit us n kids... I'm so lost in words I kno this rodeo in stonyford is goin to be very lonely.. you will always be in my heart and will be truly missed we love u kids love u as well...
victoria king
December 30, 2012
Great Man. Great father in law. I'll miss your sense of humor. I'll playing poker. Enjoyed you company.
Bien del Rosario
December 30, 2012
We never met John and yet I know that you will be greatly missed by my friend Judy...R.I.P.
Sandy Walters
December 30, 2012
Judy Thauberger
December 28, 2012
Uncle John will be missed by so many of the people that had the pleasure of knowing him. All those jokes I can never remember. I love you and miss you soo much!!!
Julie Croft
December 28, 2012
John. you have been the love of my life for almost 40 years. We had so many plans for our future...You will always be in my heart. I am so lucky that we got to spend your last two days together. We were truly soul mates...I miss and love you so much...
Judy Thauberger
December 28, 2012
Big John you will be truly missed you were a good man and always willing to help everyone and always seem to have the best jokes.
Bill Oxner
December 28, 2012
So sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to his family and friends. We were neighbors "back in the day" in Palo Alto. I remember John fondly.
Dan Davis
December 28, 2012
I grew up with John as my next door neighbor. He was a fun loving guy and use to call me on my birthday. I have not seen him though for around 40 years, but has remained in my heart throughout my life. I live in MN now, I will not be able to attend his service, but would love to send flowers if someone can send me the address of the service.
I have many fond memories of our growing up together in Palo Alto and will always remember him as a kind and gentle soul! God bless you John!
Patrick Davis
December 28, 2012
Big John ... Man you're sure gonna be missed ! It was an honor to have worked with you all these years and an even bigger honor to call you my friend ... Keep God smiling ... R.I.P. my friend ... I will never forget you !
Alan Lapp
December 27, 2012
John, you will be truly missed. Our sincere sympathy to all of his family and friends.
Al & Joyce Hieb
December 27, 2012
Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more