Neal-Blaiklock-Obituary

Photo courtesy of Rivet Funeral Home & Crematorium Inc. - Merrimack

Neal Edward Blaiklock

Merrimack, New Hampshire

Feb 6, 1952 – Jun 3, 2020 (Age 68)

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BORN
February 6, 1952
DIED
June 3, 2020
AGE
68
LOCATION
Merrimack, New Hampshire

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Rivet Funeral Home & Crematorium Inc. - Merrimack Obituary

Merrimack resident Neal Edward Blaiklock passed away after a brief illness on June 3, 2020. He was born to Wendell Blaiklock & Elizabeth Blaiklock (nee Collins) in New Haven, Connecticut on February 6, 1952, and spent his early years in Hamden, Connecticut. He was 68 years old.


Neal leaves behind his son, Jeremy Blaiklock, and his good friend and significant other, Melissa Groff. He is also survived by his first wife, Mindy Carlisle, his second wife, Tamara Bollen, and two nephews, William Blaiklock and Peter Blaiklock. He graduated from Chatham High School in Chatham, New Jersey in 1970 and earned a BS degree in Special Education/Learning Disabilities and Elementary Education at Keene State College in 1973. He also received an Associates Degree in Industrial Electronics from NH Vocational Technical College in the early 1980’s. He was the former facility manager at Anaren Ceramics where he worked for 25 years and from which he recently retired.


Neal has been an icon of the New Hampshire theater community for well over 30 years, appearing in productions and winning awards too numerous to list. His most recent performance was in the title role of “Tuesdays With Morrie” produced by Bedford Off Broadway and directed by Jason Crowell, and for which Neal was named Best Actor at the 2020 New Hampshire Theatre Awards (NHTA). He is also the recipient of two Best Supporting Actor awards from the NHTA in past years, and received other numerous awards including those at the New Hampshire Community Theatre Association festivals through the years. He is remembered with love and admiration by the NH theater community as a gifted, giving person who always brightened the room with his smile and professionalism, and as a person who made everyone better who came in contact with him. A sampling of the outpouring of love on social media that has been published include sentiments describing his “great wit and comedic timing,” “the gentleman with the quick laugh,” “a delight and a consummate professional…kind, talented, and immeasurably funny.” He was recognized as a “brilliant actor” and “one of the most decent men ever to grace the stage.” And he was humble to a fault. He is remembered as “a humble giant,” “so humble for someone who possessed the level of talent that he did,” and ”one of the most genuine people I've ever met in my life…humble and always willing to help others.” He is remembered for the “poignant moments” he created on stage.


Neal’s life was not limited to acting. Despite his public persona, Neal was in many ways a private man who enjoyed numerous pastimes such as camping, kayaking and photography. He was a member of the New Hampshire Astronomical Society, and he was an avid “old school” ham radio enthusiast tinkering with antique and modern equipment and with contacts all over the world. He will be greatly missed.

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I have not actually seen Neal since probably our 10th high school reunion but knew he lived in NH as I do and we got in touch via email/facebook - and out of the blue last year he donated to a non-profit I run to help asylum seekers coming to our border seeking a safe harbor. I remember Neal as very funny and fun (they are not always the same thing) - and kind. So sorry to hear of his passing. Best to those who loved him.

You were the most kind ,thoughtful, nicest, funny person that I have ever met! I am so lucky that we crossed paths in our road of life! Forever in my heart, I will miss you! RIP my friend! ❤

We will miss your loving friendship, your sparkling laughter, and immense talent. Rest in peace, Neal.

Quick wit, Jack of All Trades, and a kind heart. That's how I will remember him. RIP, Neal. You've left a huge void.

I worked with Neal for more than twenty years, he could fix anything. He had a singular wit and was always pleasant to talk to, He will be missed.

Neal was an awesome actor, and a kind and funny man. I had the pleasure of working with him on stage and in rehearsals for Arsenic & Old Lace. He was amazingly talented and dedicated, especially notable when he was hospitalized the week of the show but forged ahead...missing only one performance. A true, top-notch professional, and a better soul. I will miss not having the pleasure of sharing space with you again on and off the stage, Neal. Hoping you "break a leg" at the stage of the...

God bless you Neal. It was an honor to have known you. You will truly be missed in more ways than you could have ever realized. Your quick wit and sense of humor will be missed. A shining light is dimmer with you gone. To the family and friends of Neal - my heartfelt condolences.

to my theater hubby: my heart is broken i will miss you greatly you were so kind and gracious on stage , you gave me confidence and made me a better actor you will be greatly miss by all who tread the boards with you

I had the pleasure of working with Neal in several shows. He was a kind person and an "actor's actor". He will be missed by many.