David Neilly

David A. Neilly, 76, of Sunset Drive, Willsboro, passed away Sunday, September 21, 2025 at the UVM Health Network – CVPH, Plattsburgh, with his loving family by his side.
He was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan on April 17, 1949, the son of William and Ivy (Yarick) Neilly.
David was the youngest of six children, with a lifelong love for sports and family. His life could have been written into a book-from childhood days spent in Ann Arbor, to surfing the Pacific on the California coast, to skipping his final semester at the University of Michigan in order to backpack through Europe and even partying with Pink Floyd at a roller rink in Detroit. Countless other adventures remain cherished memories among his closest friends and family.
For more than 40 years, David worked as a project manager in the construction industry for major companies, a career that took him all over the United States. His projects ranged from building a federal prison in West Virginia to contributing to the president's helicopters while living in Virginia, and finally to his last position at a uranium enrichment plant in New Mexico.
Yet no matter where his work carried him, David's heart always belonged to Ann Arbor and Michigan sports. An athlete himself, he became known for his unwavering devotion to his teams. He held season tickets at Michigan Stadium for 47 years and traveled across the country to cheer on the Detroit Tigers, Red Wings, and Lions. His passion for sports and loyalty to Michigan has carried on to the next generation, who now proudly bleed maize and blue.
The only thing David loved more than Michigan sports were his two daughters and three grandchildren. Becoming a father shifted everything in his life, he worked tirelessly to provide for his daughters and to make sure they always felt like the princesses he believed they were. That devotion only deepened when he became "Campy" to his grandchildren. Though he had long dreamed of retiring in Michigan, he instead chose to move to New York to be near his girls and his grandkids. Saturdays once spent at "The Big House" became Saturdays at soccer fields and basketball courts, cheering on his grandchildren. Even in his final months, he could be found braving the weather to watch them play, always their biggest supporter, always their number one fan.
Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Hannah (Jeffrey Bigelow) Neilly and Allison (Jade Lakers) Neilly; his beloved grandchildren, Emma, Layla, and Camden Jacques; his companion, Sue "Sippin" Neilly; his sisters, Margie Stewart and Mary Neilly; nieces Angela Maloney, Wendy Stewart Vanderyt, Lauri Gauthier, Joan Neilly, and Stefania Mouriki; and nephews Eric Horn and James Stewart.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters, Virgina Horn and Diane Mouriki; his brothers, Robert and Baby Johnny Neilly; and his niece, Amy Stewart.
The family will hold a celebration of life at a later date, as well as one final trip home to Michigan.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Willsboro-Essex EMS.
Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru, 518-643-9055.