Philip J. Neri

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Phillip J. Neri, a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Phil passed away peacefully on April 29, 2025, at the age of 78 after a brief battle with cancer. Phil will be remembered for his gentle nature, quick wit, sense of humor and unwavering dedication to his family.
The middle child of five, Phil was born in Portsmouth, NH on November 19, 1946, to Alfred Neri and Lydia (Lorenzini) Neri. Phil grew up in Portsmouth and graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1964. Phil attended Bryant and Stratton Junior College and earned an associate's degree in accounting in 1967.
In January of 1971, Phil married the love of his life, Cathy and they later settled in Dover, NH to raise their family. Phil was employed at the University of New Hampshire and retired as the Athletic Department's Equipment Manager after 30 years of service. He was a staple at the UNH football and hockey games, always eager to lend a hand, engage players and coaching staff with his animated humor and insightful knowledge that resulted in him becoming an esteemed and respected member within the UNH community.
Phil was the kind of person who would always put the needs of others before his own, helping out neighbors, friends, and family members, whether it was giving his kids a ride to various sports practices, babysitting and walking his "grand dogs' or fixing odds and ends at home, he was always the first person to offer a helping hand and a humorous comment to anyone who needed it. A dedicated family man, Phil always made it a priority to watch his children and grandchildren participate in various activities whether it be football, baseball, basketball, field hockey or dance, he was always in the stands cheering us on with words of encouragement and booing the referees when warranted. Phil instilled in his children his mantra that hard work and putting family first would provide for a rewarding and fulfilling life. And it has for all four of his children. Phil was an avid fan of all sports, with baseball being his passion. A lifelong New York Yankees fan (much to the dismay of his daughters), he would often be found listening to the game on the radio where he rarely missed an inning. Phil took that love of sports and competition to generously dedicate his time to the community, coaching and umpiring little league baseball, becoming a fixture at Beckwith Park in Dover. He also refereed NHIAA basketball games and was considered a mentor to many young athletes in the Dover area. Phil always looked forward to his yearly fishing trips with his close friends and son Blake in Maine. Phil never found a body of water he couldn't fish. He also enjoyed spending time with family on Lake George in Liberty, Maine and White Lake State Park. In his free time, Phil could be found playing a pick-up game of whiffle ball in the backyard with neighborhood kids, sitting in the backyard with Cathy reading a book, playing with his grandkids or tending to his garden. After retirement, he and Cathy spent time travelling together and visited Ireland and England, a dream come true for both. Phil's proudest achievement was becoming a grandfather (Bampy) and he doted on and cherished the time he was able to spend with his grandkids.
Phil is pre-deceased by his parents Alfred and Lydia Neri, brother Paul Neri, brother in- law John Secor, and infant granddaughter Lilah Neri. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Cathy (Secor) Neri, daughters Kendra Bigelow and husband Brian, Deanna Aho and husband Caleb, granddaughters Lauren and Hannah, sons Graig Neri and wife Rachel, grandchildren Emilie and Jaxon, Blake Neri and wife Ali, grandchildren Everly and Ty, brother Allan Neri, sisters Linda Neri and Ann Marie Neri, sister in-law Sue Neri, brother in-law Richard Secor and his wife Melissa, nephews Scot Neri, Christopher Neri, Glen Secor and nieces Heidi Coen and Traci Brittan.
Visiting hours will be held at the Tasker Funeral Home, 621 Central Avenue, Dover on Wednesday, May 14, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. A memorial service will directly follow at the funeral home.