Neal Gillette Illing

1934 - 2025

Neal Gillette Illing
January 17, 1934 - April 3, 2025
Neal Gillette Illing passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at his new home at The Residence at South Windsor Farms after sustaining injuries from a fall in November. He was a lifelong resident of Manchester, CT. He attended Manchester schools, graduating from Manchester High School in 1952 and was on the Reunion Committee for many years. He graduated from Dean College. He was employed in computer operations at Pratt Whitney for 38 years. He was an avid woodworker, golfer and car buff. He had an extensive wood shop in his basement, regaling family and friends with wooden gifts and furniture. He was fond of driving Buicks and Cadillacs but his favorite vehicle was a 2003 red Chevy pickup, which he used often to help neighbors in Manchester and Dennisport haul brush and other items. He loved spending time with Jeanne at her summer cottage in Dennisport, sharing many happy hours for 29 years, sitting with neighbors in her yard and at West Dennis Beach, visiting friends and family in Florida, North Carolina and taking cross country trips throughout the U.S. and Canada.
He was predeceased by his father, Arthur H. Illing, Superintendent of Schools in Manchester from 1930 to 1961, for whom the Illing Middle School is named. He was also predeceased by his mother, Rose Gillette Illing, and his sister, Norma Gillette Illing, who died at age 2.
He is survived by his longtime love and companion of 29 years, Jeanne Eagleson of Manchester and her family, his sister Irene Gillette Illing Fariss of Hadley, MA, niece Andree Clearwater, currently residing in Manchester, and her son and his fiancee from So. Hadley, MA, niece Lisa Andrews, her husband Steven, their four children and families from Germany, nephew Peter Castillo, his wife Julie and their eight sons and families from Northampton, MA, nephew Thomas Castillo from Amherst, MA, and niece Jennifer Rice, her husband David and two children from Archdale, NC.
Arrangements are being handled by the Cremation Society of Connecticut in So. Windsor. A Celebration of Life will be held at The Residence at South Windsor Farms in So. Windsor on Saturday, May 17 at noon, followed by a buffet at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be earmarked for the Neal Gillette Illing Scholarship, sent to The Manchester Scholarship Fund, 20 Hartford Rd., Manchester, CT 06040