Name: Visitation for Neal Joseph Bear
Start: 2017-03-03T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2017-03-04T01:00:00.000Z
Location: Shirley Brothers Fishers-Castleton Chapel

Neal Joseph Bear

68, of Carmel, died peacefully surrounded by family after a courageous 2 ½ year battle with cancer, February 28, 2017. He was born April 25, 1948 in Toledo, Ohio to the late Neal E. and Delphine (Adams) Bear.

Neal graduated from Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, PA where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He was an accountant for 30 years, retiring in 2010, from U. S. Customs. Neal was a member of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church. He enjoyed putting together family music cd's for special family events. Neal had a wonderful sense of humor that endeared him to everyone, friends and family alike. He loved music and was an avid keyboard player and he loved to travel. Neal enjoyed researching the horses and playfully picking the winners of the races.

The most important thing to Neal was his family. He loved and adored them and tried to show them through his laughter and kind, caring gestures. Neal proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 3, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Shirley Brothers Fishers-Castleton Chapel, 9900 Allisonville Rd. A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, 10655 Haverstick Rd. Carmel.

Neal is survived by his loving wife, Linda Jean (Reilly) Bear; son, Jeff Dwigans (Tammy); daughter, Jennifer Bear; grandchildren, Keegan and Corbin Dwigans, Donovan and Darren Pirtle, and Amaya Davis; sisters, Patricia Thomas, Deborah Dangel (Robert) and Delphine Wist (Duane); brothers, Douglas Bear (Liz), Donald Bear, Charles Bear and Darrin Bear; sisters-in-law, Joyce Eaton (Lyman), Susan White, Elaine Cunningham (Ronald) and Eileen Wieczorek (Frank); brother-in-law, Dennis Reilly (Kristy); father-in law, Gerold Reilly; and many nieces and nephews. Neal was preceded in death by his brother, Barton Bear; brothers-in-law, Jack Thomas and Michael White; and mother-in-law, Margaret Reilly.

Memorial contributions may be made in Neal's honor to Little Sisters of the Poor St. Augustine Home for the Aged, 2345 W. 86th Street, Indianapolis, 46260. www.littlesistersofthepoor.org

The family would like to thank the doctors of Community North, Dr. Bhatia, Megan Weaver N.P. and Dr. Large, for their kind and compassionate care given to Neal.

www.shirleybrothers.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Indianapolis Star on Mar. 2, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Neal Bear

7 Entries

Jeanette(Macys) Abramo

March 22, 2017

I was so sadden to hear of your recent loss and my deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. Nothing eases the pain of this kind of loss but only the reassurance that he is in a better place. Prayers for you who is left behind but also for Neal who put up a valiant fight against this disease.

Roberta McKivigan

March 2, 2017

Linda, Debbie, Delphine,Pat, Darrin, Chuck, Doug, Don and family,

Sorry to hear about Neal. It has been a very long time since I last saw him. Hoping he has peace at last and no longer in pain.

My sympathies and prayers to everyone.

Love,
Roberta McKivigan and family

Sharon Johnson Allen

March 2, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with Linda and Neal's family. Neal was always willing to assist others at CBP and did so willingly with a sense of humor, respect and a team player. He will be missed by many.

Michelle Perkins Mittman

March 2, 2017

Was so sorry to hear of Neal's passing. I enjoyed working with him at Customs all those years ago. Such a smart and witty man. My thoughts and prayers to Linda and Neal's entire family.

Debbie Thompson

March 2, 2017

Everyone in Neal's family has my deepest sympathy on the loss of their loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. You are so right about Neal's sense of humor. I worked with Neal for many years at CBP and really missed his sense of humor when he retired. Please keep Neal close by keeping his memories close.

Tim Kelly

March 2, 2017

Linda and Family, my deepest condolences. Neal is remembered fondly at CBP.

He was big in every way, tall, deep-voiced with a laugh that could rattle the walls. I will keep him in my heart.

March 2, 2017

I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us God is thinking thoughts of peace towards us, to give us a future and a hope, may God comfort you in this time of sorrow.

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results