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SAKOW. Neil Neil Robert Sakow, 69, of West Hartford, died Tuesday, August 19, 2014, at St. Francis Hospital. Born in Bronx, NY, the son of the late Leon and Ruth (Dashew) Sakow, served in the US Army and made his home in West Hartford since 1954. "Neil the Real Deal" was a collector, owner, and curator, of Neil's American Dream Museum which opened to the public in West Hartford in 1988. The museum featured entertainment, political, and sports memorabilia from the Truman, Eisenhower and Kennedy administrations. Mickey Mantle, Howdy Doody and President John F. Kennedy were the focus of the collection. His museum had the most extensive Mickey Mantle collection anywhere. Sakow authored, "The Most Mickeys on My Mantle." He spent years entertaining the elderly in nursing homes and hospitals and was well known for his shows produced by West Hartford Community Television. Sakow is survived by his brother, Barry Sakow and his wife Pamela of Austin, TX; nieces and nephew, Blake & Chris Glancy, Barrett Campbell & Tim Zalinger, Hayden Sakow, Brynsley & Enrique Silva-Cano; and a great nephew, Hunter Glancy. A graveside service will be held Thursday, August 28 at 10:00 a.m. in Hartford Mutual Society Cemetery, 15 Wolcott Rd., East Granby (adjacent to Simsbury Airport). A kid at heart, Neil anonymously donated toys to children at the holidays. Following his lead his family requests donations be made in memory of Neil to: Connecticut Children's Medical Center Foundation, 282 Washington Street Hartford Connecticut 06106 or online at www.connecticutchildrensfoundation.org/give. Your donation will purchase toys for children's therapy. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com
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I still think of him and of his wonderful collection of memories
JEM
August 16, 2023
I knew Neil. I worked at Suburban Pharmacy and he frequent there.
He really was a character, but a good spirit and a good sole.
Rest in peace Neil.
Cheryl
Friend
December 28, 2020
I think of Neil more than you might suppose since I only knew him casually, but he was a really genuine person with a great heart and a wonderful story to share.
Jake Mendelssohn
Acquaintance
August 17, 2020
It's hard to believe that 6 years have passed since Neil was among us. I can't remember when he first hired me to do publicity for him, but I will never forget the zeal with which he showed me around his museum. The fact that he had saved toys and games in their original boxes bowled me over! He was one-of-a-kind, and his spirit continues to live on.
Joan` Walden
Friend
August 16, 2020
It was ironic that Neil collected memorabilia since he was literally "one of a kind". I loved hearing him sing the advertising jingles. He couldn't carry the tune, but he did know the words. His joyful sprit will be missed.
Jake Mendelssohn
August 31, 2014
Neil and Barry as "Leaders" in Simsbury fed all my childhood retail needs - from toys of course hardware for contraptions to the chemistry section that I'm sure made me happier than it did my parents. Thanks for many memories and for being a staple of that small town for so many years.
John Pellino
August 26, 2014
Sorry to hear about Neil the Dream. I used to work at the kingswood market in west hartford. Neil came in all the time and immediately got all the employees smiling by telling jokes & singing jingles. What a great personality he had. West Hartford needs more residents like Neil.
Ed Lucas
August 25, 2014
Thank you, Neil, for sharing your love of collections with the community through your many years as a producer at West Hartford Community Television. You were one of a kind, and I know that the staff of WHC-TV will miss you. As a former board member, I send my deepest condolences to your family.
Beth Ryan
August 25, 2014
Neil was the Real Deal. The Host with the Most. The Cover Story with all the Glory. So Outrageous, I'm Contagious... his charm and infectious humor lightened our burdens, inspired our hopes and connected our entire community. He was always bigger than the room he was in. A true entertainer with a big heart.
Jennifer Evans
August 25, 2014
Will always remember that smile. I was always fun talking baseball with Neil. He was a great man.
Tom Zocco
August 24, 2014
sorry to hear about neil. i knew him when i was working in the pharmacy.
he was definitely a one of a kind person, and i say that in a good way.
neil the world will not be the same without you.
we will miss the "Real Deal Man".
rest in peace Neil.
cheryl upton
August 24, 2014
Rest in peace Neil. He was a kind man who shared his time and expertise with many, many people. Never asking for anything in return. His knowledge was vast - his heart genuine.
August 23, 2014
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