He was born in New London on June 8, 1922, the son of Thomas L. and Alice Ryan Neilan.
He married Greta Johnson on Oct. 5, 1946 in New London; she survives.
Mr. Neilan was a 1941 graduate of the former Bulkley High School, and had attended the University of Connecticut. For many years he led the Hub Neilan Orchestra, home based at Ocean Beach Park and performing throughout New England. During the 1960's he was a member of the Vagabonds, a small band that was featured at the former Mabreys Hotel in New London. In 1952 he joined his brother Edward "Ned" Neilan at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home in New London, a business started by his father in 1923. He retired as president of the funeral home in 1987.
Mr. Neilan was involved in the community, serving as a Connecticut State Representative, New London School Board Member, School Board President, and New London City Councilor. He was installed Mayor of the City of New London Dec. 6, 1971. He was a former member of the New London Kiwanis Club.
He was a communicant of St. Joseph Church, and was one of the first chairman of the Annual Bishop's Appeal for the Diocese of Norwich. He was a life member of the Seaside Council 17 Knights of Columbus and was a Knight of St. Gregory. He was a member of the New London Lodge of Elks.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by four sons, James P. Neilan and his wife, Irene, of Brentwood, Tenn., Thomas L. Neilan and his wife, Nancy, of Bolton, David M. Neilan, of Portland, Maine, and Christopher J. Neilan and his wife, Mary, of Waterford; a daughter, Eileen Carney and her husband, David, of Scituate, Mass.; a son-in-law, Terrence McLaughlin, of Stonington; fourteen grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
A daughter, Karen Neilan McLaughlin, a brother, Edward P. Neilan, and a sister, Alice "Peg" Neilan, predeceased him.
The funeral will assemble at 10:15 a.m. Friday at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London, and proceed to an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph Church. Calling hours are Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southeastern Connecticut, 179 Gallivan Lane, Uncasville, CT 06382; or to the St. Joseph School Endowment Fund, 17 Squire St., New London, CT 06320.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Robert Golart
April 29, 2005
Our sincere sympathy to the Neilan family on the passing of Hubert Neilan, a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather to all concerned.My special regards to Tom, Dave and Chris.
Bob and Carol Golart
Katy Devine Gerritt
April 28, 2005
Dear Greta and family,
I would like to extend my greatest sympathy for your loss. We always enjoyed the grace, humor and warmth being in Hub's company. His passing affects so many.
Katy Devine Gerritt
Linda Peltier- Silvestri
April 27, 2005
Our prayers are with your family with the lost of "Hub", He was a wounderfull man
Thomas Peltier
And Family
Joanne Medeiros
April 27, 2005
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. I remember Mr. Neilan quite fondly from my childhood.
gina debona carter
April 27, 2005
chris,my dad was good friends with your dad. i will remember him always.new london is losing a great man.
John R. Gprra
April 27, 2005
Dearest Neilan Family,
I am sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad and precious husband. As a youngster growing up in the (Dart St./Plant St.) neighborhood, I have fond memories of seeing that bass stored in the gargage and hearing about Herb's musical career and abilities. Perhaps the nicest and greatest MELODY Herb produced was his precious relationship with Mrs Neilan and with his wonderful children of which I had the pleasure of knowing in my youth. May God be with all of you and may He be your everylasting comfort.
Jim Bongarra, Jr.
April 27, 2005
Dear Jim:
My sincere sympathies to you and your family on the loss of your Dad. Though some years have passed since we've been in contact, I fondly remember a journey from Chestnut Hill to New London that you, your Dad and I took on a break from classes. And, of course, our times together at BC I'll always remember. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gayle Hibbard - Agostinoni
April 27, 2005
Mrs. Neilan and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you all. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
JOHN AND ORCHIS (SHAW) MOON
April 27, 2005
DEAR GRETA AND FAMILY, WE ARE SORRY TO HEAR OF HUB'S PASSING. WE HAVE MANY FOND MEMORIES OF DANCING TO HUB'S BAND, AND I REMEMBER YOU, GRETA, FROM FITCH HIGH SCHOOL. TAKE CARE.
Henry Resnikoff
April 27, 2005
out of town. Hub was a good friend and favorite of my Dad's. I know we will all miss him. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family.
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