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Neil Shope Obituary

Shope, Neil E.

Binghamton: Neil E. Shope, 77, of Binghamton, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 25, 2012. Neil was the son of George and Lillian Shope, both deceased, of Williamsport, PA. He was married from 1959 to 1983 to Loretta Soprano, deceased, of Sayre, PA. He was predeceased by his sister, Beverly Morrison and Laura Chaya. He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara (Hobart) Shope, Binghamton; daughters, Rita Shope and Lorrie Riddell, Cary, NC; stepdaughter, Tracy Morgan and Robert Broesler; grandchildren, Kate and Rebecca Rusch, Newark, DE; stepson, William and Kelli Morgan; grandchildren, Jacob, Rachel, and Jessica, Union Springs, NY; and many beloved nieces and nephews and their families. Neil was a US Navy veteran and member of the American Legion. He had a long career in business management, banking and finance. He was a past owner of Tioga Tool, Inc., and president of Ultimate Products, Ltd., Endicott, NY. One of the highlights of his career was negotiating the terms and conditions of the Space Shuttle contract with NASA while he was Director of Contract Administration at Link Flight Simulation. Neil was noted for his sense of humor, engaging personality and overall love of life, sports, and fishing. His philosophy of life was to follow the Golden Rule, and all who had the good fortune to know him would agree he lived it well. His parting thoughts to friends and relatives: have a drink, tell a joke, and appreciate everything you have. A memorial service will be held in Binghamton in the spring. The Dean-Lopez Funeral Home, Key West, FL, is entrusted with funeral arrangements.

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

Published by Press & Sun-Bulletin from Mar. 1 to Mar. 3, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Neil Shope

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Cathy McLain

March 23, 2012

Barbara, we are so sorry to hear of Neil's death. We wish you the peace of knowing he spent the happiest years of his life with you and the strength to deal with your loss.

Sandy Bevilacqua

March 11, 2012

Barbara & Rita, so sorry I wasn't in touch with him. I think of you often. Love to all. I will definitely miss Neil. He was a big part of my life. Love, Cassandra

March 7, 2012

Barbara, Rita, Lorrie and Tracy
I worked with Neil at Link. I in Engineering, and he in Contracts. We shared a number of customer experiences together- some funny and some tough- but all memorable. I also lived around the corner from him when he lived on Hoffman Drive. In fact, I came very close to buying that house when he sold it. Neil was a unique individual and my life has been better for knowing him as a business associate, and most of all as a friend. May he rest in Peace
Jim James
Hop Bottom, Pa

Jennifer Morrison

March 6, 2012

Barbara,
Ed and I were very sorry to hear of Neil's passing. We truly enjoyed our
visit at the Front St condo and the annual meetings. Our sympathy to you and your children.

David FRANK

March 5, 2012

Rita Barb and family....hmmm so many memories. I remember the fathers day breakfast for so many years, such an epic event. Neil and my dad building things that could withstand enemy attack...pool decks and picnic tables etc. When they built something it was made to last. They were such great friends. When they went in collage housing biz i remember working with them on demolition and reconstruction of old houses. One Saturday a load of debris had to be hauled away, Neil tossed me the keys to his truck and said here you take it. It was then i taught myself to drive a manual transmission in his truck. I wonder if he knew I didn't know how to drive that "3 on the tree". Well i'm sure their is some craziness going now that Izzy and Neilsey are back together :) Such great memories. My best to the family.

Joan Hauck

March 5, 2012

I was sorry to hear to learn of Neil's passing. I have fond memories of working with him at Link for many years. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Joan Hauck

March 4, 2012

Neil was a true gentleman, who balanced a strong work ethic with humor and compassion. So many of us at Link were fortunate to have known him. My sympathy to his whole family.

Marie Gurske, Starrucca, PA

March 4, 2012

Barb, we were both so shocked and saddened to hear of Neil's passing. We have such fond memories of him, particularly our days together at Link. We had a drink, told a joke, and cried a tear. We hope you're doing OK. God Bless. Love, Sharon Gilman and Steve Szwalla

Lynn Stasko-Farrell

March 3, 2012

Rita, so sorry for your loss of your dad. Remember him when we use to get the gang together for softball in the summer. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

kathy Brooks Engel

March 3, 2012

Rita so sorry for the loss of your dad he was a great guy, I remember all the encouragement he always gave us girls in sporting events in high school, may he RIP.

Catherine Gleason

March 2, 2012

I always looked forward to visiting with Uncle Neil at Bridgett & Tony's family parties. The last I saw him was at Dom's birthday party where he regailed me & Chris with colorful stories from his past. I will miss him. My sympathies & prayers to all.

Dick McKnight

March 2, 2012

So sorry to hear of Neil's passing. Although we only saw each other occasionally the past few years it was always a pleasure to chat with him and reminisce about our experiences at Link. Neil will be truly missed.

Dick McKnight

Bob Griffn

March 2, 2012

Worked with Neil after he left Link. Drove his truck to upstate NY to pick up Boxes of 'plastic items' and delivered them to Factory in Elmira. He finally sold that business to partner Harry Curtis. God bless and thanks for knowing one wonderful man

Patricia Fabricius

March 2, 2012

To know Neil Shope was to love Neil Shope. I,too, worked with him at Singer-Link and who didn't smile when he passed by? Well, actually, Neil never just "passed by" he always took a minute or two to stop and say a few kind words and leave one chuckling and with a smile on their face. Neil seemed to balance it all and kept on going no matter what the stressors were. Angels, step aside, St. Peter has just let in a truly special one for you to enjoy. In all seriousness, to the Shope family - all of you - you are in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time. Bless you, all.

Sandi Ailport

March 1, 2012

To the Shope Family,
I worked with Neil at Link and he was such a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during your loss. Just hold onto all the special times you spent with Neil. The angels are taking care of him now. God Bless
Sandi

Rosalie Spencer

March 1, 2012

Dear Barbara and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of Neil's passing. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Dave Ward

March 1, 2012

I was so sad to learn of Neil's passing. We shared many memories both at work at Link and outside of work. He was a delight to be with and around who had a great sense of humor. I remember the time I was out of town and he came and rescued Joan from a pesky bat that had invaded our home.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Barb and the entire family.

John Kabanek

March 1, 2012

To the Shope family - I enjoyed working with Neil @ Link and the many side conversations we had during those years. May your memories help you at this very difficult time.

Ruth Gdovin Siver

March 1, 2012

I am so happy I was able to visit with Neil in January. We laughed and spoke of times working together at LINK, the fun times at Sandy Pond, sailing out of Scaketts Harbor, canoeing the Susquehanna, our souper suppers, the Valentine Day Heart-On dinners and the joy of snowbirding in the FL Keys. A lot of shared memories will always keep our bonds of friendship strong Barb. God Bless you and your family. I know he will be truly missed by all. Please know I care.

Colleen (Frank) Perkins

March 1, 2012

Rita, Barb and family...I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I have the most fond memories of Neil... I was just looking @ a picture where my dad and Neil were wearing matching denim patch-work shorts w/ black socks and loafers--so sexy those two best buddies were! A million pictures come to mind when I think of Neil and the "old days" he was such a great guy and you were all so blessed to have each other! I hope all the great memories will bring you comfort as I'm certain of his legacy of love and friendship.
I am not in Binghamton but would love to come for the memorial please let me know when it is. ([email protected])
Sending a very large hug.

Joani McCarthy

March 1, 2012

Rita, Lorrie, and Barb-
We are so sorry about Neil's passing. We have you in our thoughts & prayers. Sending hugs...

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