Robert Wendell Neal

Robert Wendell Neal, 60, of Zionsville, IN passed away on Sunday, November 21, 2021, after a battle with brain cancer. He was born on July 19, 1961 to Robert W. and Margaret Neal in Clay County, Indiana.

Robert grew up in Brazil, IN and was a 1979 graduate of Brazil High School. He earned a BA in English Literature from Indiana University and briefly taught middle and high school. He went on to earn his MFA in Theatre from Penn State and embarked on a professional acting career. Along the way, he taught theatre as an adjunct professor for DePauw University, University of Indianapolis, and other colleges. Robert acted professionally with the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) and the Indianapolis Shakespeare Company (Indy Shakes). He also directed for local Universities and with Indy Shakes. Robert was well known in the Indianapolis theatre community and was a recognized repeat actor in IRT productions including IRT's A Christmas Carol. He had the opportunity to perform at Lincoln Center in New York City, studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, and taught for IRT's Summer Conservatory for Youth program. He was a versatile artist who enjoyed playing guitar, writing, and had a particular affinity for Shakespeare.

Robert is survived by his wife, Sally (Rosser) Neal; children, Kathleen and Robert; his sister, Ellen (Neal) Packard (Rick), his mother-in-law Margaret Rosser, sister-in-law Nancy (Rosser) Lawler (Mark) and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his sister Jennifer Neal and father-in-law Jim Rosser.

A remembrance service will be held in the new year, date to be determined.