Stewart A. Neal

Stewart A. Neal, 71, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on July 25, 2024. Born on September 25, 1952, in Laconia, New Hampshire, Stewart's life was marked by his intelligence, love of history, humor, handiness, airplane model building, and the love of refurbishing and working on cars, motorcycles and his cherished home.
Education played a significant role in Stewart's life. After he graduated in 1970 from Berlin High School, Berlin, NH, he went on to earn both his bachelor's and master's degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of New Hampshire, a foundation that would support his career. On May 25, 1980, Stewart married the love of his life, the former Lynn Purtell in a beautiful ceremony at Eagle Mills Methodist Church in Troy, NY.
Stewart dedicated 36 years of service to the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, Niskayuna, NY where he worked as an engineer and manager until his retirement in 2012. Early in his career he spent time at the Windsor Prototype in Windsor, CT as well at the Kesselring Site in West Milton, NY. Stewart was a dedicated employee and proud of his work effort supporting the United States Nuclear Propulsion Program.
Outside of work, Stewart was a true jack of all trades and conversationalist. His ability to fix anything was legendary among family and friends. His love of restoring vehicles and riding his motorcycle reflected his passion for mechanics and the open road. He cherished the times he spent with his friends not only dirt bike racing or riding road bikes but also bench racing and solving problems over a few beers. Even though he did not build his only home, he continuously modified it throughout his life to create a beautiful functional haven for his family. Also, his interest in history extended to countless conversations and travel to Eastern Europe where he had a fascination with the Cold War Era.
Stewart's journey began as the son of Darrill and Arline (Harper) Neal. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Darrill Neal Jr. It is with great sorrow that we bid farewell to Stewart, but he leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication to his family. His wife, Lynn Neal, with whom he celebrated 44 years of marriage, remains a testament to their enduring love. Their union was blessed with two sons, Aaron (Brianne) Neal and Alex (Mariana) Neal, who Stewart cherished deeply and dedicated his role as a proud father to his sons' dreams playing hockey and motorcycle racing during their younger years. His role as a grandfather to Eliana and Gabriela was one that he embraced with love and joy.
Stewart was also a brother to Haven (Isabel) Neal, Alan (Pam) Neal, Tim (Christine) Neal, Brian Neal, and Allison Neal. His extended family includes several nieces and nephews who will miss his passionate spirit, including his NY Giants loving mother-in-law Sandy Purtell.
As we celebrate Stewart's life, we remember a remarkable man whose devotion to his family, his home, his contributions to his field of work, friends and his passion for life's simple pleasures have left an indelible mark on the hearts of those he touched.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, August 3rd, from 10 AM to 12 PM at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd. in Glenville, NY. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 12 PM officiated by Pastor Amy Gregory of Burnt Hills United Methodist Church.
We are truly blessed to have had the help of hospice along with his sister in-laws, Pam Neal and Karen Acompora assist Stewart and his family transition through this difficult period at his home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Joan Nicole Prince Home 22 Glenview Drive, PO BOX 2122, Scotia, NY 12302: www.joannicoleprincehome.org Online condolences may be made at glenvillefuneralhome.com