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Frank Neigel Obituary
Frank was born and raised one of 21 children born to Margaret and Sebastian Neigel, on a homestead in Orin, N.D. Life was difficult in those days. Having to raise their own food and selling cream produced on the farm, they survived. After completing 7th grade, Frank stayed home to help raise his siblings and work the farm.
Around the age of nineteen, Frank moved to New London to work for his brother, Jack, at the Freeway Esso gas station in New London. Frank met his wife, Mary Ann, while eating lunch at her uncle Paul's restaurant. In April of 1963, they were married in Chicago returning to Connecticut in November of the same year. Continuing to work for his brother Jack at the Groton Texaco station, his first child, Frank Jr., was born in March of 1964.
Frank was then hired at Electric Boat in Groton. Shortly thereafter, his daughter, Kimberly, was born in May of 1965. In September of 1966, Frank was hired to his career job at Pfizer Pharmaceutical in Groton. December of 1966, his son, Richard, was born. Frank remained at Pfizer until his retirement in 1998. He built a home in 1973 on 17 Mains Crossing Road, North Stonington, where he lived and enjoyed his flower gardens, friends, and many toys for 39 years.
Frank was involved in many things through the years such as president of the Parish Council, head of maintenance for St. Thomas Moore Church, and Webelos leader. He loved UCONN basketball, the Boston Red Sox, the Patriots, and NACAR's Jimmy Johnson and would welcome conversations challenging the status of any of them.
In April of 2014, Frank decided to move to Cape Coral, Fla. with his wife Mary Ann. He resided there until his passing on Dec. 29, 2014.
Frank is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Mary Ann; his sons, Frank Jr. of Preston, Richard of Florida; daughter, Kimberly Gray of North Stonington; three granddaughters, Kaitlyn, Nicole, Jessica; and grandson, Justin. He is also survived by four brothers, Daniel of Washington, Richard of Connecticut, Edward of Washington and Joseph of Washington; three sisters, Lugardia Schwan of North Dakota, Marcella Theil of Arizona, Jane Heintz of Minnesota; and over 100 nieces and nephews.
Frank is predeceased by his parents, Sebastian and Margaret Neigel; ten brothers, Peter, Paul, Lawrence, Jack, George, David, Alex, Tony, John, and Ludwig; and three sisters, Mary Anderson, Elaine Bachmeier and Elva West-Daley.
A mass and celebration of life will be held in the spring. Family and friends will be notified by telephone or social network.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Frank Neigel
Stoner & Lori Smith
January 9, 2022
Remembering Frank. He taught me a lot. Love you.
February 14, 2016
I love you so much and miss you so much happy valentines day darlingi hope you can see the roses on the table.just as if you were here,that's the wat you would have had it .remember I loved you then I love you still I alway have I always will.
Guy Smith
February 14, 2016
Frank was always kind and considerate to me. He was a good husband to my sister and a good father. He always made me feel at home. A couple of things about him recently I will never forget. He showed me how to feed a hawk by hand and I did it and it was an unforgettable experience. The other is that he taught me how to feed the birds and the difference type of feeders and houses to attract them. Now my best friend Rob and I have brought that knowledge to his house and we have become bird watchers, who would have thought. Another thing is the time I visited Frank and Maryann and was helping Frank around the house fixing things and he was crippled with his foot and I was crippled with my back. Between the two of us, we somehow got everything done. I will never forget Frank, I'll always love him.
Ed Daley
February 14, 2016
I first met Frank about 32 yrs. ago after I married his Sister Elva. From the first day I met him I couldn't help but like him. He made me feel welcome in his home and I immediately felt that I was accepted as family. I loved the way he was always smiling and laughing, and he had a great sense of humor and would tell funny jokes that made us laugh. He took great pride in his yard and had beautiful flower gardens. He also loved to feed the birds and humming birds. I can remember one time we were sitting near a window that had a hummingbird feeder in it and a hummingbird flew up to the feeder and I thought it was going to come into the house. Their was also a Red Tailed hawk that he had somehow gotten to fly down and take dead mice right out of his hand. I guess the animals could sense that he was a good person and would not harm them. Even though Frank was my brother in law I always referred to him as Uncle Frank. He was a die hard Red Sox fan and me being a die hard Yankee fan we would tease each back and forth. I will miss the conversations we had on the phone after Elva and I moved to Florida. He is gone but not forgotten and will always live on in my heart.
IN LOVING MEMORY
Ed Daley
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Mary Ann, Frank and granddaughter, Nicole.
Neigel Family
February 14, 2016
February 13, 2016
Dad,I consider myself so blessed to have had the relationship with you that most people dream about. I am so greatful for spending so much time with you, because I have a lifetime of memories that keep a smile on my face. I miss you every day. I hope your still listening, because I'm still talking to you in my heart.
Justin Gray
February 13, 2016
My grandfather was my idol. I love him dearly. He's in my heart and in my mind everyday and every moment.
Frank and brother-in-law Al
Neigel Family
February 13, 2016
Swimming in his pool in FL
Neigel Family
February 13, 2016
Enjoying time with grandson
Neigel Family
February 13, 2016
Cruising at Disney World
Neigel Family
February 13, 2016
Loving Disney World
Neigel Family
February 13, 2016
Taking Justin for a ride
Neigel Family
February 13, 2016
Enjoying time with pooh....
Neigel Family
February 13, 2016
Function at grandchildren's school
Neigel Family
February 13, 2016
St Thomas Cruise
Neigel Family
February 13, 2016
Helen Nicholson
February 13, 2016
Frank was a good son in law, a good husband to my daughter, and a good father to his children. He was a strong leader which I feel is a good thing because I knew he would protect my daughter and the family. Frank always worked two jobs and still had time to work around the house. Frank was a man of God and concerned that his family went to church. He did a lot for the church. Frank showed me a lot about gardening and how to drive a tractor. He was so proud of feeding the hawk by hand, but I wouldn't do it. He helped me out when we went to Sunday dinners. If there was a need, he would figure out a solution. One time when I had a problem getting up, he installed a rail for me to pull myself up. He was always concerned about people when they came to his house. He was a good,host. Norman and I miss Frank, he will not be forgotten. Our love and prayers to all the Neigel's.
Jessica Neigel
February 13, 2016
The image added is something I wrote for a school project before Bumpa passed, it was supposed to be written through a lense of a child. Bumpa was a big part of my life and I always cared about him so much. I still have letters in my "keep it box" from when I was really young that I would send to him when he was sick. And I've been thinking.. I never got to write Bumpa a letter the very last time he was sick. So here you go Bumpa, my last letter to you:
Dear Bumpa,
I miss you a lot, Meme too. I remember you in such a beautiful way, always giving people the help they need and always hard working. I remember how dedicated you were to everything, like your garden. It always looked beautiful, with all sorts of flowers and colors. And the birds, that always had a meal to look forward to in the morning because you would feed them early in the morning. Then there was the fort that you built for Nicole, Justin, and I. And the hawk, you trained that hawk and I bet it misses you just as much as I do. Bumpa I remember so much about you and hardly any of it is bad. All of makes me happy to call you my grandfather. And it always will. I love you and miss you so much.
Jess
Who's training who?
Frank Neigel
February 13, 2016
PRAYER FOR MY DAD
Today, I lost one of my best friends.
I lost my mentor, my rival, my teacher and at times my twin.
But most of all I lost my father the person that taught me more in life than all others put together.
The pain was unbearable right up to the end.
Your battle is now over, no more tears flowing down your cheek, no more pain, no more suffering, now you are no longer weak.
I still do not understand why this had to happen to you, but I am proud to say you are my dad, the greatest man I ever knew.
Words cannot explain how much you mean to me
nothing could ever compare or even ever be.
You're my Bumpa, my one and only, you're my leaning post although I love my family
you're the one I love most.
Even though you may be leaving you'll still be in my heart, you'll always be real close
even though we're far apart.
While you're in heaven, please watch over me and help me as I grow, you have taught me so much
but there is still so much more to know.
I'm not going to say good-bye
or that I can't go on, I'll say I love you, and see you later even though you're gone.
I love you Bumpa, more than you'll ever know
I know you'll be in heaven as a shining star
no matter how far away you seem
heaven is never too far.
Kaitlyn Gray
February 13, 2016
I love you and miss you so much, Bumpa. Heaven will have beautiful gardens, now that you are there to tend to them.
Lantern Hill 2009
Frank Neigel
February 13, 2016
I was gathering my thoughts of my fathers life and I kept coming back to one thought. You will never meet a man that was more committed to his values and beliefs, yes he was a very stubborn man. His teachings were endless and he was a teacher of all things. His methods were simple, he taught by example. I always find myself asking myself what would dad do? My father was a self made man from education to his career to his family and friends. He was ultimate Jack of all trades Master of none. He was loyal to his friends and faithful to his family. He liked to tell a good joke and like to make people laugh. He provided a wonderful home for his family and many others over the years. There was only one thing that he was not good at and that was saying I love you, but I always knew that he loved me. And he always knew that I knew because he showed me every day. I miss that my father is not there for me when life puts me in front of a speed bump or when I'm fighting with myself or I don't know who to turn to. Bumpa you taught me to be strong but I am very sorry I am letting you down I can never be strong enough to except that you are no longer here. I miss you every single day.
Frank Jr.
February 12, 2016
There will be an empty chair at the holiday table this year, but it will be filled with loving memories.
Frank and Heidi
Rene Wolfer
February 10, 2016
Where do I begin... Uncle Frank was a second father to me... We were so blessed to have him in our lives... His laugh and sense of humor was infectious... I will always treasure the time we spent together on weekend visits and the memories we made together... It is still so hard, not having him with us physically but i feel his presence and guiding hand... he was a wonderful human being and is greatly greatly missed... I love you Uncle Frank...
Richard Neigel
February 9, 2016
Dad, I think of you every single day. I love and miss you And always will.
Your son, Rich
Thinking of you and missing you.
Jack and Joan Brown
February 9, 2016
February 8, 2016
My most outstanding memory of Uncle Frank is his smile, big hugs and warm love. A couple fun times I remember were in 1979, the Neigel gathering in Plaza, the first time Jerry had been invited to our "family" events. He came down with his motorcycle and was so surprised at all the people. But the Uncles made him feel so comfortable around them. A little joking and teasing but it is what makes the memory so great.
A second memory was when we came out to Ct. and how welcome we felt in Uncle Frank and Aunt Mary Ann's home. Uncle Frank showed us all the work on his country home and how the birds would come and be right by him. It was the first time I had seen a humming bird so close up. He took us on a little tour of the area and we attend Mass together.
The last time I seen Uncle Frank was when he came to Minot to see mom. When he first came in the nursing home she just looked at him and said his name, he gave her one of his big hugs and she had tears in her eyes, she asked him what he was doing there and he told her he came just to see her. They spent time talking of "old times" because that was the state of mind-living she was at the time. He did not show how it upset him, or say no about anything he was just his joking self with her. Then he asked to go on the "road trip back home" we set it up for the next day. First we went to Karlsruhe. We took many pictures, from there we headed to the hills. The roads were so bad with so much mud and water, we were not so sure we could go all the way. But we said lets see what this van can do and we did...first stop Catherine Schmidt's. After a short visit we headed out again. Have to say we did a little praying so we wouldn't get stuck! Up by the "Zeigler" farn now the Edwards farm. On the road we stopped and visited with Mr. Edwards and his daughter, getting their permission to go into the yard. Spent an hour or so just looking and remembering. From there we drove to Tim and Brigthia Schmidt. To hear Uncle Frank laugh and tell stories was so fun. My family was blessed double by having mom and dad come from such wonderful families who got along and had fun together. On the way back to the highway from the Schmidt's farm we once again traveled through mud and water that normally I would never do, but Uncle Frank said "ah we made it all the way so far let's keep going if we get stuck we can push!" We made it home. May laughs and memories shared. Love you Uncle Frank.
Chad West
February 7, 2016
We will miss Uncle Frank immensely. We had the privilege to hang with him and his family on numerous occasions and talk on the phone from time to time and I can't tell you how much we enjoyed his presence - it is immeasurable. Loved the banter on baseball and racing and the thing I love most about Uncle Frank was that it was so evident how much he loved his family and would do anything for them. Our condolences to Maryanne and each of this children. The loss of spouse or parent is such a hard experience to endure. I have always tried to focus on the blessings I received from my mom, Elva, and not her loss. Heaven has gained with Frank there and now is catching up with all of his siblings. We will miss you!
Stoner Smith
February 4, 2016
It is hard to explain a persons whole life but this is my attempt through this poem I wrote for Frank's memorial service.
Margaret Neigel and Sebastian too, raised their family on a farm, not in a shoe. From a family of 21 minus two, you would think that Frank had a mother that wouldn't know what to do. Margaret Neigel was of a different stead, she gave her hear to Jesus and her spirit was freed. Her legacies were peace, love, children and her smile, and if you knew Frank, you would know this was his style. Frank brought up his family of three, he led them to the Lord, he knew this was key. His work ethic didn't change, he brought them to CT only to be rearranged. You see, Frank grew up poor only to learn all the more, that money and riches only help us in our hard times and strife. He knew the real purpose of hard work, tough love, and good friendship in this life. Frank was someone that made sure his yes was yes and his no was no. Frank was a good teacher that you wanted to be near, one to learn by and not to fear. He taught me much with his hands, how to work with them and how to take a stand. I learned from Frank how to pray and to say grace. He taught me with love. I will always love him, I will always miss him. I will never regret knowing him.
February 1, 2016
We see your faithful red tailed hawk overhead, still waiting to be fed by you Frank..
She misses you and so do we...
David and D'Ann
February 1, 2016
God created all of us with a purpose and Frank knew this. Frank's life was not lived in vain, he taught the love of Christ in his life. He showed me that even when life throws you a curve ball, you can still hit a home run. Frank was my brother in law, my friend, someone I could talk to and work with. He was a good teacher. He taught me patience and wisdom. At this the first anniversary of his death, I miss Frank and will never forget him. Mary Ann we love you. Blessings Stoner and Lori
Joe Neigel
January 31, 2016
MaryAnn yes there were alot times where thinging about the good old day when we were kids how we use to make up suff dump suff like old saying but day are pass were only me and him Alex&rich or tony would know suff we use go ribbit at night 10below 0 with horse and sled with spot light car battery and at milking time in the and night oh yes jane would know to well a'm that he has left us so take care your self call me I ratter hear you read from you L0VE guys alway Joe & family
January 31, 2016
We miss you every day that goes by but known you are watching over all of us.
January 31, 2016
Mary Ann and Family - I will miss Frank always and think of him often.
Frank I said goodbye to you
A better friend I never knew
You always took care of me
I still miss him you can see
So Frank Ill say one more goodbye
And never forget the twinkle in your eye
Love Bud and Tina
January 25, 2016
Mary Ann Laflamme
January 2, 2016
Frank you were always the life of the party. Then you moved to Florida, and then you moved on to an even better place . You are now free of pain and suffering .You are looking down on Mary Ann and the family helping them to figure things out. You are missed and loved and always in our prayers. Until we all meet again...God Bless!
Dennis Miceli
January 1, 2016
Dear Maryann and family, just a few words on my relationship with Frank.
We met about 30 years ago at work and worked closely with each other on a daily basis. Of course I had the easy job here in the lab and Frank had to endore what ever the weather threw at him. Some days he would yell at me to get the dilutions right the first time so he could come in out of the cold. But never once in all our years together did we ever have harsh words for each other. We also spent a lot of time in the lab or lunch room just talking about family or about what we were doing outside of Pfizer.My memories of Frank and of those time are of great value to me for even tho he`s not with us in the flesh I can think back on are times together and he`s back with me again. I hope the Neigel family can do that also.
Love to you all.
Denny Miceli
January 1, 2016
happy new year honey, i love and miss you terribly. meme
sheryl
December 30, 2015
It's been a year since you left us .I miss teasing each other over our Boston Red Sox and Yankees oh yeah and our NASCAR drivers.I can still hear you playing that harmonica which you played well.I love you.
Pam Bender
December 28, 2015
Frank my sibling-uncle, he was always willing to help with a smile. My strongest memory is when he was sawing wood with a buzz saw and cut his arm. It was terrible but he had full usage of the arm. With God's grace and Frank's given strength. We Love and miss You.
December 28, 2015
Frank - We miss, alot, talking and seeing you. We think of you often and wish you were still with us. You were taken from us much too soon. Your brother Rich and sister-in-law Deborah.
December 28, 2015
Hard to believe it has been almost a year since you left us. We think and talk of you from time to time. Keith climbed Lantern Hill not long ago and remembered you showing him the geo mark.
He uses your log splitter constantly.
Forever Friends, Sheila and Keith,see you
you again someday. 12-28-15
December 28, 2015
Merry christmas I love you and miss you so much and remember good by is not forever , good by is not the end, good by just means ill miss you until we meet again.
Shannon Newman
March 23, 2015
Aunt Maryann, Frank, Kim and Richie, I am so sorry to hear the news of Uncle Frank. I will always think of him fondly, his strong personality, his laugh, the stories he told and the lessons I learned every Easter. My prayers and love are with you all. Please let me know when his service is. Sheryl, Frank and El can all reach me on Facebook. God and His servants be with you.
January 24, 2015
i miss and love you more then words can say i love you then i love you still i always have i always will.
January 24, 2015
Dear Mary Ann and family,
We miss our dear Frank very much. He was a kind man and very giving person to everyone he met. Always ready with a smile and a joke.
He was a very hard worker, whether it be his work at Pfizer's or cutting and splitting trees, planting his beloved flower and vegetable gardens or creating a bird sanctuary in his backyard, he was forever working.
He never let his illnesses stand in the way of helping others or from any project, large or small.
He was devoted to his religion and never missed a Mass until near the end of his life.
Yes, we'll miss Frank, may he rest in blessed peace.
With much love and affection,
Pam, Al, Andrew and Jonathan Ruttgers
Carol Burdick
January 15, 2015
To Mary Ann and family time goes by fast. I moved from N.S. in 1991 to Missouri. I remember Frank has a good husband and father and a very hard worker. As we walk through life no matter where we go never forget the good people and good times. We all had some good times together and good memories. We must realize that Everyday Is A Gift. May he rest in peace until you all can meet again in heaven. God will take care of his family. Mary Ann I retired in 2007 from the Cass Co.Sheriff's Office in Harrisonville, Mo. as medical supervisor in the detention ctr. Moved to Aurora, Co. God Bless you.
Always a friend
Carol Burdick
Hank Anderson
January 15, 2015
Frank Jr, Although it has been years since I have worked with him, I remember him well! Rest in peace... Thoughts and prayers to all of your family.
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