Charles Paul Thomas Neff

1944 - 2018

Charles Paul Thomas Neff died Thursday May 17, 2018. Tom was born on December 27, 1944 to Madeline (Frey) and Paul Marion Neff in Allentown, PA. Tom is survived by his wife of 22 years, Janice Keim, siblings, Dan (Gloria), Kathy (Jim) Davis, Becky (John) Urban, Larry (partner Jane Gill) and Debbie Lintner, children, Travis Neff (fiancé Delaney Bowles) of Anchorage, AK, Erin Neff of Las Vegas, NV, grandchildren, Cassidy and Jackson Haney, first wife and mother of his children Martha Sternbergh Neff and many nieces and nephews. Tom was an active member of Valparaiso First United Methodist Church. He graduated from Liberty High School, Bethlehem, PA in 1962 and Moravian College, Bethlehem, PA in 1969. He was a member of the US Army from 1964 to 1972 serving primarily in Panama. In his youth, Tom began his involvement with three activities that would capture his spirit throughout his life; playing baseball, where he pitched for the Bethlehem Giants, golf, where he learned and competed with his brother, Dan through the years even up to age 70 and Blues harmonica, Chicago style. Tom was a proud employee of Bethlehem Steel for 35 years, in Bethlehem and in Burns Harbor. His favorite position was in the Combination Mill at Bethlehem Plant, serving as one of the start-up supervisors. Following his career in the mills, Tom had several part-time jobs that meant a lot to him, substitute teaching, including some long-term assignments at Portage High School and seasonal laborer for the Horticultural Department of the Valparaiso Parks Department. He was very proud of the colorful plantings and especially of the trees that he planted. In the fall of 2010, Tom began what was to become a highlight of his retirement; he agreed to be the site supervisor for the Men's Overnight Emergency Shelter on Mondays at Valparaiso First United Methodist Church. He met challenges, he learned, he grew, and he appreciated and respected every one of the men who came through the program. It was a delight to him to be greeted in the street or the parks by former client's years after their lives had stabilized. He considered each of them friends and even family. A visitation will be held on Monday, May 21, 2018 from 3 – 7 PM at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Road, Valparaiso. Funeral service will be on Tuesday at 11:00 AM at Valparaiso First United Methodist Church 103 N. Franklin Street, Valparaiso. In lieu of flowers, you might wish to donate to the church, Men's Overnight Shelter, Valparaiso Parks Department, VNA Hospice or to Tom's favorite Christmas charity, Heifer Project.