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James McAleer Obituary
Neil McAleer's youth was spent in Rock Island, Illinois, and Larchmont, New York. After graduating from Mamaroneck High School in 1960, he studied at New Mexico State University. After graduating in 1964, he worked as editor at Harcourt, Brace, and World for 2 years. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserves and served in Germany and Morocco from 1967-1969. Following completion of his military service, Neil continued his education at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, where he received his Masters in English Language and Literature. After graduating, he worked as managing editor at Stackpole Books in Pennsylvania; and then at the Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development (JRRD) for 17 years. Neil loved to travel. His most memorable trips were a visit to Sri Lanka to see Sir Arthur C. Clarke, and a vacation to Italy with friends.
Neil is survived by a son, Brian Alexander McAleer, two sisters, Ellen McAleer Nimick of Venice, Florida, Beth McAleer Virta of Brookline, Massachusetts, several nieces and nephews, and countless cousins and friends.
The details of a military memorial service for James Neil McAleer will be announced by the family at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James McAleer
Sponsored by The Baltimore Sun.
Ken Adams
June 6, 2025
I met him at Dene Court (Fred Clarke's Home) whilst he was there researching in conjunction with Fred. Neil was staying in a Pub in Bishops Lydeard and I gave him a lift there. Neil came across to me as a Great Guy.
Arthur inspired me to write when I visited him in Sri Lanka. He was my Friend. I published a book entitled "Two Left Shoes" one year ago.
Brad Thompson (Ashgrove Publishing)
January 24, 2025
We'd be grateful if the person(s) administering Neil's estate would urgently get in contact. Please leave a message through our website: ashgrovepublishinglondon.com
We have some (potentially) good news.
Nancy
January 22, 2025
What a great friend. A big age difference between us but we were good friends along with my husband. He was a character
Brad Thompson
December 17, 2024
Neil was a fine man,
I would appreciate a member of the family contacting me as I am the
publisher of his (revised) edition of Arthur C. Clarke's biography.
Beth McAleer
March 24, 2024
A memorial service for James Neil McAleer will be held at Arlington National Cemetery May 9, 2024 at 11:00 AM. Attendees should arrive 45 minutes prior to start of service.
John C. Sherwood
December 3, 2022
I´m saddened this morning to learn of the death of this friend and professional literary partner. Neil found me through my own online efforts in praise of Arthur C. Clarke, then approached me about 2004 while seeking research-and-writing assistance. That effort ultimately became the final authorized biography of the late science/sci-fi writer, who passed in 2008. Over the course of our work, I became the manuscript´s editor and contributed a considerable amount of text, including one essential chapter. For that effort, Neil paid me well and - in a typically generous move - even dedicated the volume in part to me.
Although Neil and I worked chiefly by email, the collaboration led to an enthusiastic friendship aided by my East Coast presence; we frequently lunched in Baltimore and met for gatherings of the Clarke Foundation in Washington, D.C. On these latter occasions we both were thrilled to meet and chat with Walter Cronkite and other notables associated with Clarke - including a brief electronic exchange with Neil Armstrong. After publication of "Visionary" a decade ago, Neil and I shared friendly contacts for a few years, but those became less frequent. Our work was absorbing, occasionally exasperating but ultimately rewarding professionally and emotionally. I look back in it with pride and affection, knowing that my life was bettered by my having known this exceptional man.
Kathryn Eyanson Kelly
November 30, 2022
My Uncle Neil brought his contagious smile wherever he went. Gregarious, articulate and interesting; he always had a story to share and a twinkle in his eye. Rest In Peace, dear Uncle... Your happy energy will be missed by all blessed to breathe your air
Ellen McAleer Nimick
November 28, 2022
Neil was a great brother.
Gary Randall McAleer
November 25, 2022
Being Neil's cousin, I had very little contact. But my brother Steve would visit him. Age 80 is a little young for the McAleer stock. But @ age 65 today, I'll be happy to make it that far. My cousin "sleepeth" as Jesus said awaiting "the power of his resurrection."
As Neil understood the heritage of the McAleer family whose origins came from the Aleer family in the Scottish islands off the west coast, I made a 'Coat of Arms' in honor of our family origin.
Michael Bowe, son of Katherine McAleer Bowe
November 24, 2022
What a great life Neil had, following his passions and living his dream. Thank you Neil for your service to our country and being such a guiding light for what is possible.
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