Search by Name

Search by Name

Bill Neff Obituary

Bill (William) Brady) Neff went to his Lord on April 13, 2005, suddenly, from an accidental fall. He was the brightest star in our world and loved us all with compassion and without judgment. He was know as "Mr. Fix-it" and "Mr. Bill" by his handyman customers many friends and always had a smile and encouraging word for everyone he met. He was in a dance band for 25 years on the weekends. He loved all kinds of music and was an accomplished guitar player. He had started playing the keyboard and writing his own music. He leaves behind his wife and soul-mate, Marybeth. Beloved son of Rosemary and Benny Neff (deceased), loving brother of Carol Whitmer (Dr. James), Nancy (deceased), Benny, Bobby (deceased) and Michael. Much-loved by his children, Brigitte Bissing (Don), Michael and Mitchell, Michelle Iskowitz (Randall), Mary Jo Mutchler (Mark), and Nicole Sullivan (Tim). Adored by his grandchildren, Natasha, Michael John, Megan, Shannon, Chloe, Jonathan, Zachary, Madelyn and baby Emma. We will miss your positive energy, your wonderful smile, your kindness and generosity and your great loving heart. Be at peace with the Lord, beloved Bill. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Phoenix Zoo or the Arizona Humane Society.

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

Published by The Arizona Republic on Apr. 16, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Bill Neff

Sponsored by Marybeth, his wife and soul-mate..

Not sure what to say?





Marybeth Neff

April 14, 2006

Yesterday was the first anniversary of your death. It seemed like the pain and loneliness were as acute as the actual day you died. This year has been a journey of remembrance, of all the "firsts" without you, and of coping with your loss. Thank you for your life with us. We were very fortunate and privileged to know you. Rest easily, my dearest Bill. Your loving wife, Marybeth

Marybeth Neff

February 28, 2006

Dearest Bill,

Sunday was Emma's first birthday. I remember how we waited 12 long hours at the hospital for her to be born and held her when she was just minutes old. What a glorious time! Then, when she was only 6 1/2 weeks old, she waited in the intensive care waiting room when you were dying. You both have a special bond. Please keep watching out for her since you are her guardian angel. I miss you always and still don't understand why you are not here with me. I love you always. Your loving wife, Marybeth

Marybeth Neff

October 13, 2005

My dearest Bill, it has been 6 months to the day that you left us. Every day I think of you and miss you. I struggle with the pain and loneliness of losing you, and try to balance it with the love we shared and the wonderful memories we made. I am grateful that you came into my life and helped me change for the better, and I'm grateful that I enjoyed our love for almost 16 years. Rest gently, my love. Your loving wife and soul-mate, Marybeth

Marybeth Neff

August 6, 2005

Dearest Bill, it was our 15th wedding anniversary on August 3. It just doesn't seem that long ago, just like it doesn't seem like you've been gone almost 4 months already. We all miss you every day and talk about the beautiful person you were to us. On our anniversary, Nikki, Emma and I went to the Phoenix Art Museum and out to lunch. The other girls wished me a happy anniversary, because we will always be married in my heart. I love you so much and always will. Your wife, Marybeth

Jennifer Ismeurt

June 4, 2005

We think of you, Bill, when the security light above our garage comes on. We think of you, Bill, when we use the new kitchen faucet. We think of you, Bill, when the garden hose spigot doesn't leak. We think of you, Bill, when we use our dining room light dimmer switch. We think of you often, Bill, with appreciation and affection. We miss you!

With love,

The Ismeurts

Hildegard & Jim Shepardson

May 30, 2005

Bill, we will miss you so much. You were always there (with a smile upon your face) to assist us when help was needed. Your integrity was obvious from the first day we met you. Our thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones.

Marybeth Neff

May 17, 2005

Dearest Bill, this would have been your 60th birthday. I looked forward to going away with you to celebrate this great milestone in your life; monumental, actually, considering your surgeries and heart conditions. But God had other plans for you and we are trying very hard to accept His Will. We miss you so terribly and shed tears because you are not with us. But we also remember all the wonderful times we had with you and all the things you taught us about patience, kindness, compassion, humor, tolerance and generosity. Mary Jo is here with me to help me through this difficult day. We are going to Sedona where you and I shared many beautiful, quiet moments. We will remember you at Cathedral on the Rock, where you and I sat and prayed and lit candles for Johnny and Mom. Nikki and Tim and Emma will meet us at the Lone Tree Grill where you and Tim, and you and I met many times to share special conversations and humorous moments. We feel your spirit with us and thank God for the gift of your life. We went to the Phoenix Zoo on Sunday and you will have a bench in your memory by the gazelle exhibit. We had always planned to have our own bench where we could sit. Now we have one. Happy Birthday, Bill!! Your loving wife, Marybeth

Mike Lawson

May 16, 2005

Bill never let me stay "retired" for too long. He always had just one more little project and he could charm the spots off a leopard.

It was always "how ya doing buddy..good to see you," and he really meant it! The last job we worked on was just before my wife and I departed for Australia/New Zealand, and Bill, being the overly generous person that he was, gave me what I considered too much for my labor. He just smiled and said " quaff a few ales on me buddy, have a great trip."

I have nothing but good memories of my friend, and I will miss him greatly.

Barbara & Bob Plourde

May 14, 2005

It was such a great experience working with Bill in the theatrical group at Solera. I'll never forget the day he set up his guitar while the rest of us were talking. When he started playing, we all stopped and turned around in silence. He made such beautiful music. Bill was such an inspiration to many of us. He will be sorely missed. Thank you for brightening up our lives Bill!

Barbara and Bob Plourde

Dr. Carol Cooper

May 11, 2005

Bill, you will be greatly missed. I loved your integrity, your honesty, your love of your wife, your ability to find problems and quickly and reasonably solve them. I am sorry that you are gone, but I will not forget you.

Wanda McLaughlin

May 2, 2005

I was saddened to learn just today about Bill's sudden death. He was truly a ray of sunshine during the time we were members of the Ahwatukee Foothills Networking Group. He never seemed to meet a stranger and could be counted on to do more than his share.



He was a real professional, a perfectionist and a happy man. I'm sure he will be missed by you, Marybeth, and all his family and friends.

Robert and Leona Miller

April 24, 2005

Bill was one of the nicest men we have ever known--an unfailing source of cheerful goodwill and competence. We'll sorely miss him. Our hearts go out to his family. God would be well advised to use him to fix-up heaven. Bob and Leona Miller

Carol A. Whitmer

April 23, 2005

Bill was such a great Brother. Always there for me with encouragement and unquestionable loyality and love. Bill was so looking forward to the Branson trip we had planned in May with his other two brothers and me. I feel so lost without you. All my love always, Your Sister, Carol

Michelle Iskowitz

April 20, 2005

Knowing Bill was a priviledge. Being witness to his extraordinary life is a gift. Bill was one to lead by example: he was a man of quality, integrity and goodness. He inspires me to be a better person. I will miss him so much.

chloe elizabeth mutchler

April 19, 2005

My family and I love you grandpa. I will never forget you. You were nice to us and I'm sad that I did not get to see you at your funeral for the last time. I've been looking at a lot of extra pictures of you latley.I guess I sort of forgot you had heart problems, and when I last left California I did not think about the fact that it could be the last time I could see you. I love you!



Your granddauter,

Chloe Elizabeth

Michael Neff

April 19, 2005

Bill's life was an amazing journey, and our evolution from child and Dad, to teacher and student, to friends and compatriots, fulfills me. I am greatly sorry for his passing, but will always treasure what he has taught me. I will miss our music, and talking of tools and handiwork, and his caring advice. There will always be a place in my heart where he will reside, and if I knew him, he will have it fixed up in no time, with dimmer switches and track lights, ceiling fan and an entertainment system nonpareil. My love and respect to all who sign this guestbook, and love to Marybeth and family.

SFC Michael Neff

Nikki Sullivan

April 18, 2005

Bill was an angel sent to my Mom and I at a time we needed him most. I've had the honor of calling him "Dad" and being his daughter. He has helped shape and mold me into the person I am today. He was more than a Dad to me, he was a best friend and he will forever be in my heart. The past 15 years have been filled with love and laughter thanks to him and I am eternally grateful to have had the pleasure of being his daughter. I will never forget him. He has made an everlasting impression on me. Bill, thank you for being you, for loving our family with all of your heart and soul and for just giving us the gift of you. I love you forever. Tim, Dixie and I thank you for the most wonderful memories and Baby Emma welcomes you as her Guardian Angel.

Smile forever, Bill. I will love you that long.

Marybeth Neff

April 18, 2005

Bill, you are loved and missed. My brightest star has left my world. I will miss your wonderful smile, your kindness and generosity and your great loving heart. Thank you for teaching me so much about life and love. But who is going to be Mr. Fix-it at our house now? You left too soon, but will never be forgotten

John & Blanca Richards

April 18, 2005

Thank you LORD for Bill's life. He made a difference in ours in the many years we worked together. He freely gave of his skills, his knowledge, his work ethics and most of all, his friendship.

Our memory of him we will always treasure.

Helen Renfro

April 18, 2005

This is a great idea and another way to say for the 1000th time how much my husband and I will miss our buddy, Bill. You will understand when I also say our little 'Max' is devasted by the loss of his friend! I know that Bill is fine now and that we are the ones that my grief is for. Blessings to all the family!

Steve Renfro

April 18, 2005

I'm proud to say that Mr. Bill was my friend. His was as generous a Spirit as I've ever known; always kind and patient, unfailingly cheerful, full of the joy of living and working, he was a delight to be around. He will be missed.

Norm Fasoletos

April 16, 2005

I have lost a long time dear friend. Bill was such a buddy. His help was so appreciated when I first started my business. I just can't say enough about him. We spent many hours working together and he was always so cheerfull and positive. He will be missed and loved by all.
GOD BLESS you Bill !

Your Friend !

L Berkley

April 16, 2005

I am so sorry for you loss. Bill was an amazing "friend" and I loved having him help me around the house. He would always refer to me as "girlfriend" with such endearment. I will truly miss his warm, happy spirit, and joy for life.

Marcia Adado

April 16, 2005

I am truly sorry of your loss. I lost my husband and I can truly understand what you are going thru. My prayers and support will be there for you. I am just your remote neighbor and will alway be available to if you need a friend. Phone #480-699-1777. I live at 6159 S White Pl. So I am close and if you just need a friend I will be available to you.

God speed and know that you are never alone.

Bob & Rose Uttich

April 16, 2005

Bill was such an asset to our theatrical group here at Solera. He will be greatly missed for his encouragement, suggestions, his talent, and his quiet smile.

Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results

Make a Donation
in Bill Neff's name

Memorial Events
for Bill Neff

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Bill's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Bill Neff's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more