Jack A. Neff Jr.

Jack A. Neff Jr., 69, of Alsace Township, passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born in Reading, PA, he was the eldest son of the late Jack A. Neff Sr. and Georgine (Ebert) Neff. Jack graduated from Oley Valley High School and Berks Career and Technology Center, and went on to build a lifelong career with his hands. He worked in construction and masonry before settling into his role as a journeyman plumber at Blankenbiller Plumbing and Heating, where he remained until his retirement.

Jack's love of the outdoors began in childhood, roaming the woods and fields with his brothers. He later joined the Boy Scouts, where his respect for nature only grew, and it remained a defining part of his life. He was endlessly fascinated by all wildlife-especially the Pennsylvania whitetail deer, which he admired as much as he pursued, and snakes, which he loved and studied with the same curiosity. As a fisherman, he cherished weekends on the banks of the Antietam Dam with family and friends. In later years, he found quiet joy in birdwatching from his back patio, memorizing the colors, rituals, and habits of every bird that crossed his path.

In 1976, Jack met Nannette (Neithamer) Neff while employed at the Hess gas station on Fifth Street. They quickly fell head over heels for each other and never looked back. They began their story in a modest starter house on a large lot, and hand-in-hand transformed it into a warm, welcoming, love-filled home. Never one to settle once he had an idea, Jack excavated an entire basement beneath their house with his own hands, then used the unearthed stone and his masonry skills to adorn nearly every corner of their two-acre property. Stone patios, walls, stairways, and tiered gardens soon covered the property, a true showcase of his craftsmanship. Many were built for Nan, who lovingly filled them with flowers and plants, making their home a reflection of their shared devotion.

In his spare time, Jack loved watching his Phillies and Super Bowl Champion Eagles, though the truth is he rarely missed any sport on TV-from baseball and football to darts and shuffleboard.Throughout his 20s and 30s, he was a pitcher for the Merchant League, and a very handsome one at that! He was a long-time member of the Reading Hunting Club and proudly led efforts to rebuild its cabin after a devastating snowstorm. Though quiet by nature, Jack loved being around people, and could often be found enjoying a beer, laughing with his brothers and friends, and playing the punchboards at the Alsace Manor Social Quarters, West End Fire Company, and Union County Sportsmen's Club.

Jack was a loving husband, an adoring father, a devoted grandfather, and the most loyal brother and friend you could ever have. He was always honest, unfailingly reliable, and guided by impeccable morals. He was never the loudest guy in the room, but his presence was always felt, appreciated, and valued. When he did speak, everyone listened because they knew it mattered. He was proud, determined, incapable of backing down from life's challenges-he possessed a true iron will. He had a strong, confident smile that could light up a room, and when it was directed at you, it made the world feel right. He loved hard, and those fortunate enough to be in his circle are blessed with the impact of his legacy. His passing will leave a massive void in our hearts, but his memory will light our paths through the darkness. 

Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Nannette (Neithamer) Neff; his adoring children, Jennifer Daly and her husband Eric, and Zachary Neithamer and his wife Tracy; his cherished grandchildren, Jackson, Josephine, Elizabeth, Lenora, and Parker; and his proud and loving brothers, Thomas and Robert.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Fox Chase Cancer Center; Office of Institutional Advancement, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111, or online at https://www.foxchase.org/giving/ways-give/donate-now.