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BORN
1942
DIED
2022
Richard Neal Obituary
General Richard I. NEAL "Butch" (Age 79)
Of Washington, DC. General Richard I. "Butch" Neal, USMC (Ret.), beloved husband, father, and grandfather, died on June 17, 2022. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Kathleen McCann Neal, his three children, Andrew and wife Celene of Portland, OR, and Andrew's daughter Marina and sons Nathaniel and Aiden; his daughter Amy Neal Korzen and her husband Jason of Montclair, VA, and their daughters Kennedy, Tegan, and Holland; his daughter Erin Neal Michelli and her husband Michael Joseph of Virginia Beach, VA, and their son Dominic and daughter Sophia. General Neal is also survived by his dear sister Pamela of Cookeville, TN, sister-in-law Rita McCann White of Hingham, MA, brother-in-law William McCann of South Boston, MA, and 19 loving nieces and nephews.
General Neal was born on June 20, 1942, the son of the late John and Lois Neal in the town of Hull, MA. He graduated from Hull High School and then went on to Northeastern University to major in history and education. Following graduation from Northeastern University in 1965, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps.
Over the next 35 years, General Neal commanded at every level. He served two tours in Vietnam including time as a Forward Observer for the 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines and as an infantry battalion adviser to the Vietnamese Marines. While serving in the Marines, General Neal graduated from the National War College and earned his M.Ed. from Tulane University. During Desert Storm, he served as the Deputy Director of Operations under General Schwarzkopf as well as Central Command Briefer, where he could be seen daily at national press briefings updating the country on the Persian Gulf War. He was promoted to four-star general in 1996 and appointed Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps.
General Neal's decorations included the Defense Distinguished Service Medal; Silver Star Medal with Gold Star; the Defense Superior Service Medal with Palm; Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V"; Purple Heart; Navy Commendation Medal; Navy Achievement Medal; and the Combat Action Ribbon.
Following retirement from the Marine Corps, General Neal served as a senior mentor in the Marines and as a senior fellow for the National Defense University's CAPSTONE Course, which includes the training of all newly selected Brigadier Generals and Rear Admirals. He served on the Board of Trustees for Northeastern University (Boston, MA) and Norwich University (Northfield, VT). He was on the Board of Directors for the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA); for Steel Partners Holdings L.P.; Humanetics Corporation; and served as President of Audio MPEG, Inc. He also enjoyed his time as an Information Desk volunteer at the Library of Congress, which allowed him the opportuntiy to interact with school kids and visitors from around the country.
He wrote a moving, personal memoir "What Now, Lieutenant? Leadership Forged from Events in Vietnam, Desert Storm and Beyond" in which he recounts the pivotal moments of his life and career and reflects on how those shaped his leadership style, decision making, and problem solving. His story has reached thousands and is included in the Marine Corps Commandant's Professional Reading List.
To those who knew Butch Neal, he was first and foremost a loving father and grandfather who took great delight in the time spent with his family. He loved his hometown of Hull and the ocean. For many of us, he will be sorely missed because of the enthusiasm and gusto with which he met life, his ability to be present in the moment, and his quick wit and sense of humor.
A funeral service to honor the life of General Neal is scheduled for Wednesday, July 6, at 2 p.m. at St Joseph's of Capitol Hill, 313 2nd St NE, Washington, DC, 20002. A reception for family and friends will follow at the Marine Barracks, 8th and I SE, Washington, DC.
The family requests donations in lieu of flowers be made in honor of General Richard I. Neal to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation: https://www.mcsf.org/donate/.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Neal
Roberto Dini
June 20, 2025
Time passes but your memory remains indelible. Rest in peace, my friend!
Roberto Sisvel's owner
Roberto Dini
June 20, 2024
The years pass quickly, but Ricard´s teachings and memory are always alive, as we had had a dinner last night. RIP my dear friend!
GARY CLARK
December 12, 2023
Butch, You are missed. Was an honor to serve with you at National War College and Central Command during Desert Storm.
Rest in Peace my friend. Gary Clark
David Gilmore
June 20, 2023
Neal Family, remember the closing lines from the movie, It's a A Wonderful Life? "A man's life isn't measured by how much he loves but by how much he is loved by others". By that yardstick Butch Neal was a giant. I know all of his DC friends loved him. I came to know many of them and don't recall meeting anyone who didn't. He's deeply missed. Hope the family is well and
thriving. David Gilmore
Larry Fitzmaurice
June 20, 2023
Hard to believe it´s been a year .
A good friend and mentor.
Oorah !
Michael L. Kelley
May 4, 2023
To Kathy, children, grandchildren, and his beloved Marines. I met General Neal at the Fall River Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall a few summers ago. He was the main guest speaker at the dedication. He gave a compassionate speech on the Marines he had lost in Vietnam. I had my son and grandsons with me and General Neal posed for a photo with us. My son gave him a copy of my Vietnam book, "The Gunner and the Grunt: Two Boston Boys in Vietnam with the First Cavalry Division Airmobile", and to our surprise, he not only read it, but wrote a nice book review on it for me, mostly because my army buddy, Peter Burbank of Hull , Massachusetts was featured in the book. Turned out, General Neal went to Hull High School with Peter's older sister. So he had a connection to Peter,s story and his family from the Village. Small world. I also wrote a review for the General's book, "What Now Lieutenant". His book was an honest and compassionate review of his life and I especially related to his relationship with his father, because I also came from a Boston area working class Irish family. Later, we became sort of Pen Pals on e-mail, and he told me to call him "Butch. But as a retired Army Master Sergeant, I told him I was conditioned to address all officers by their rank, so we agreed to settle on "General Butch". I was shocked to recently discover that he had passed because the last time I heard from him, he told me he was very active, jogging from his home on 4th Street in D.C. over to the Vietnam Memorial Wall to visit his Marines. He was dedicated to being the caretaker for his loving Kathy. Last year, I became very ill and was hospitalized and lost contact with General Butch. I had no knowledge that he also became ill and I wish we could have been in contact during that lost time period to relate to each other over our time left. I am a lucky man to have known General "Butch". He was not only a brave and great leader of Marines, but he was also a wonderful husband, father, grandpa, mentor, and human being. He left his mark on all of us, and we will never forget his humanity and compassion. He was a good man.
Michael L. Kelley Tewksbury, Massachusetts
Joe DeHoyos
February 16, 2023
RIP General Neal.
We met on Okinawa in 1988 and you were a great military officer.
Thanks for your military service in the great usmc to God, Christ, and our nation the USA.
My condolences to the Neal family for your loss.
Joe DeHoyos (Ret. NCO)
Armed Forces of the United States,
Texas - The Lone Star State
Tyrone A. Andrews
November 18, 2022
General Neal was my Battalion Commander the best LEADER I knew. We got to 10th Marines in 1982 and we both left in 1985. I left a Lance Corporal and he left a 'full-Bird'.
To the family Truly,
Former Marine
TYRONE A. ANDREWS (Andrews Paralegal Services)
Bill Madden for Jack Madden
August 6, 2022
My brother served with general Neal in Vietnam. The General with everything else he had going on came to my brothers house in 2020 and awarded him his long overdue Purple Heart. Jack died shortly after that presentation but he was so proud that day especially with general General Neal making the award. General Neal always put his fellow marines first. Jack hosted the groups reunion in hull a few years ago. He loved and respected the general and attended many of the generals promotions over the years. He is with the general in heaven today. "Semper Fi"
Col. Jon o. Steiner
August 3, 2022
I have lost a true friend and fellow Marine warrior. May God take him into his kingdom.
Charlene Micciche Wilson
July 24, 2022
I was deeply saddened to hear of Butchie's death. I remember that Butchie and his sister, Pam, lived in the Village. They were next to the bay and the jetty. I was 2 houses away. Pam was my best friend. I would go over to their house. Pam and I would listen to Elvis records. Pam taught me how to knit. Their Mom and Dad were sweethearts. I always had fun with Pam and saw Butchie quite often. What a pleasure to be there. Then many years later, I watched him on the TV , with updates on Desert Storm. Then , the last time I saw Butchie, was when I was running the 6.2 mile Hull race route. We ran on the 4th of July , I believe it was 1977!! I started off at the front and had a great conversation with Butchie. I ,then, realized I was running too fast and had to back off and run at my pace!! I am so honored to have known Butchie. Once I read his obituary and saw all of his many accomplishments, I was even more honored, yo know my friend's brother from Hull Village!! My love to Pam and the rest of his friends and family. Also my deepest sympathy.
Larry Fitzmaurice
July 24, 2022
Sorry to just hear of the Neal family loss. Butch was a friend and mentor to many, including me.
We were both Boston of products and Marines. He a four star an me a Corporal . To the General , those who wore the green we´re just Marines. I already miss him.
James J PUISYS
July 16, 2022
Served with GENERAL NEAL AT MARINE BARRACKS BOSTON 1969 . AT THAT TIME HE WAS CAPT NEAL AND I WILL SAY ALL OF US MARINES ALWAYS THOUGHT BEST OF THE GENERAL AND SEMPER FI SIR
Wanda Putnam
July 14, 2022
Sending my warmest thoughts and prayers. I will miss you greatly. You are my best friend from childhood.
Robert A. Matthews (USA,Ltc Ret)
July 13, 2022
I did not know General Neal but as another Vietnam veteran, I plan on reading his book. Northeastern University ROTC Class'57
David Nelson
July 10, 2022
Just saw in Hull newspaper about Butch's death. I am in shock. A stand up guy and a friend from college. And I owed him a dinner. I am also sad for his loving family.
Roger Case
July 9, 2022
Godspeed warrior
James Cook
July 9, 2022
I served with with Butch in Vietnam. He was an outstanding Marine and friend. He will be greatly missed. May God be with his family during this difficult time. "Semper Fi" Butch.
John Nolen
July 9, 2022
You were the epitome of leadership and I thank you for your influence on my life!
Fairwinds and following seas Sir! SF
David Winnett
July 8, 2022
Fair winds and following seas, General. You were an inspiration and an incredible leader of Marines.
Semper Fidelis,
David K. Winnett Jr.
Captain, USMC (Ret.)
John Quinn (aka by General Neal as "Quinnman")
July 4, 2022
Dear Kathy and family - My deepest condolences to you all on the passing of your husband/dad/grandpa. I'm sorry that I won't be there on Thursday for the service, but I'll be there in sprit.
I had the great honor of serving with the General as USCENTCOM in the mid-1980s and I will tell you that he was the finest officer and man that I've ever met. I learned a great deal from him - the biggest lesson being how to live a life with courage, honor and integrity. Your dad led by example, always kept his word, always took care of his people and loved his country almost as much as he loved his beloved Red Sox - ha!
Please know that I'm just one of the thousands of people around the world that feel this way - General Neal's impact was that profound - and will be felt for years to come by those of us that he trained, molded and led.
I will miss my friend.
May God bless you all.
Ann McNamara
June 30, 2022
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal. We are so very sorry to hear of Butch's passing. A great friend to our Dad and a true patriot.
Helen Dalberg
June 30, 2022
Kathleen, I remember you both as neighbors on Cukela at Camp Lejeune. You were such great neighbors. I especially remember Andrew who always called his dad, Guy. I send my sympathies to you all. Butch certainly had a wonderful career and you were the best supportive wife. Take care.
David Gilmore
June 30, 2022
To the Neal family, I want to express my deep sadness and sorrow to learn of Butch's passing. I remember with great fondness the hospitality and friendship extended to me during evenings at the Neal home at 8th and I especially following the always fantastic evening parades. One of the highlights of my years as Receiver of the DC Housing Authority was the opportunity to work with the "General" to conceive and create the new Marine campus across the freeway from 8th and I on land donated to the Corp by DCHA. That great facility would never have happened without his rock-solid leadership and steadfast commitment. He was an extraordinary guy, loved and admired by so many, including me. May the memories of this very good man bring you peace.
David Gilmore
Helen & Ed Haislmaier
June 29, 2022
Our prayers and sincere condolences go out to Kathy and the whole Neal family.
Butch and Kathy moved to Capitol Hill over 20 years ago and he quickly became the 'father' of our block, always there with smile or wave. I already miss seeing him out tending to his front yard. Indeed, he always seemed to be out there when we were coming and going and seemed to always have time for a chat or offer advice when asked for it. I will never forget when Butch came to talk about his book with my book club - what an evening we had! Thank you, Butch, for always being there for your friends and neighbors. We will never forget you. Rest in Peace.
Judy (Baker) Shea
June 29, 2022
I knew Butch as a Kid. his mother and my mother Elinor were best friends. Lots of good memories of going to Hull. Have lost touch with family. Nancy called my husbands business to let us know. I don't know how to get ahold of her. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Judy
Roberto Dini - Sisvel founder
June 28, 2022
The news of General Neal´s death also reached Europe, like a bolt from the blue. I would have expected to still have many more talks and dinners with him.
Condolences to the whole family that I think is shocked to have lost a husband, a father and a grandfather of such value.
I have lost a true friend.
RIP my friend "Butch".
Bharathi Prabhakaran
June 27, 2022
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Gary Clark
June 27, 2022
A War College Classmate, fellow MOAA Director, friend. Butch was the best. Gave much, had much yet to give. We will miss this great Patriot. Left us far too soon for what must be a higher priority mission.
The Village Mitchell Kids
June 27, 2022
Our dearest and fondest memories of Butchie.
In his younger days he would babysit our older sister Peggy. He was everyone´s Hero´s. Amongst the many wonderful things he would do when returning back to Hull Village, he always found time to visit our parents on their proud front porch. They always were honored and felt like celebrities. Butchie has left many different memories in many hearts. Our deepest sympathy to Kathy and your entire family
Jack Mitchell
June 27, 2022
This is a letter I sent to Butch on Veterans Day weekend, 2017. What a GREAT MAN he was!!!
Hi Butch,
I have been straight out with work the last few months .. I was away this past week ( at Pebble Beach ) and was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to read your book. How appropriate is it that, I read your book over Veterans Day weekend and played in a golf tournament that was for the benefit of The Navy Seals and their family's . ( which I happen to win)
I am amazed at the depth of what it takes to be a life time military man ... the schooling, the dedication , the number of new assignments , the relocations, the vast knowledge and experience a war time General must have in every aspect of the military ... the time, the effort and commitment to service while sacrificing your own family time .. the up rooting of your family, time and time again and their full support of you thru out your career ..
The number of men you have met and the bonding relationships that you have built thru good times and bad that you will cherish for ever .
I loved the book!! I love having a connection to you and knowing your family history and home town roots . It was truly inspiring . Kathy is a real hero and an angel to have put up with you (lol) thru out your amazing journey !
It's truly an honor to know you and Kathy personally and consider you a friend.
Thank you for all you have done for our country!!
Jack
Jack Mitchell
June 27, 2022
This is a letter I sent to Butch on Veterans Day weekend, 2017.
What a GREAT MAN he was!
Hi Butch,
I have been straight out with work the last few months .. I was away this past week ( at Pebble Beach ) and was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to read your book. How appropriate is it that, I read your book over Veterans Day weekend and played in a golf tournament that was for the benefit of The Navy Seals and their family's . ( which I happen to win)
I am amazed at the depth of what it takes to be a life time military man ... the schooling, the dedication , the number of new assignments , the relocations, the vast knowledge and experience a war time General must have in every aspect of the military ... the time, the effort and commitment to service while sacrificing your own family time .. the up rooting of your family, time and time again and their full support of you thru out your career ..
The number of men you have met and the bonding relationships that you have built thru good times and bad that you will cherish for ever .
I loved the book!! I love having a connection to you and knowing your family history and home town roots . It was truly inspiring . Kathy is a real hero and an angel to have put up with you (lol) thru out your amazing journey !
It's truly an honor to know you and Kathy personally and consider you a friend.
Thank you for all you have done for our country!!
Jack
Harry Craig
June 27, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of your loss Kathy and family. I will always have many great memories of Buch growing up in the village with him, followed his career and will always remember him as great friend. Harry Craig
Ed and Darb Hashey
June 27, 2022
Rest In Peace Butch our hearts and prayers to Kathy and Family.
Nancy Russell
June 27, 2022
Firstly, I am so sorry for your loss, he was a special person. I remember the first time I met him in 2006 when he started attending his sister Pam's annual meetings. When he walked into the meeting, he was like a celebrity, and everyone wanted a picture with him and his autograph. I at first found it very odd since my first concern was his sister, since I was a new Case manager and the meeting was about her. After about 30 minutes, I finally introduced myself to him and said, "Nice to meet you but please understand this meeting is about Pam." He was very humbled and red faced that he had taken some time to settle down, so I had to giggle silently for a minute. Each time he came to visit thereafter, he invited me to lunch with Pam and him and she always chose steak and he loved buying it for her then would take her shopping or for a country ride. As the years went by, as Pam's casemanager here in TN, he and I advocated for her needs. Pam could not have had a better advocate in her corner, she was so very proud of him. He always remembered the small things. He knew my heart was in Key West, so when he traveled with new recruits, he would call me and ask, "Guess where I am?" I of course wouldn't have a clue, but he let me know he was in Key West, mainly to just get a rise out of me, LOL. He was one of the kindest down to earth people I had met in my life. I remember his hiking trip somewhere over in Europe or Australia, he had called and said his feet had gotten very wet and it was grueling, I want to say he was 70, or a little younger. I did read his book; it was a interesting to hear more about his personal life and his sister has a signed copy. She shows it to everybody.
Rest in Peace Butch and thanks for letting me enjoy a small portion of your earthly life.
John Grenier AHAC
June 27, 2022
RIP to a wonderful person.
The Color Guard of the AHAC
June 27, 2022
The Color Guard of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts sends its condolences to the family of a true Hero and a great Patriot. May he Rest in Peace
Kenneth G. Mitchell Jr.
June 26, 2022
God Bless marine!
Bob & Ann Mini
June 26, 2022
Sorry to have heard of Butchie's passing. Great person and a Great American!
Richard Cleverly
June 26, 2022
RIP Butch
Anne Petkiewich
June 26, 2022
I am speaking for my mother,Edith (Tessie) Petkiewich, And my sister Kathy Kanning.
As a Hullonian we couldn´t have been more proud of Butchie. Everyone who knew him loved him for his spectacular service. It Gave Hull so much pride in knowing him! A hero to all.
May the memories of his life help you through this very sad time.
I am without a doubt, everyone from Hull will miss him greatly.
May he Rest In Peace
Maureen Higgins Hatfield
June 26, 2022
Kathy so very sorry to hear of Butch´s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ed Haley
June 26, 2022
RIP my Friend !! My sincere condolences to His Wife Kathleen and Children.
Mike and Angela Michelli
June 26, 2022
Kathy, Erin and entire family
Our hearts are breaking for you. Prayers, love and hugs for all
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