Stephen Brian McNeal

Stephen lived an amazing life. He left to join the Air Force when he was 17 years old. At 20 he walked the Pacific Crest Trail. He then went on to getting his teaching degree from San Diego State University. Along the way he hitched hiked throughout the United States. Oh, the stories he could tell and the people he met along the way. One of those was his longest friendship with Jackie Walker. He loved you girl.

After getting his degree he taught ESL in many places, Memphis TN, Cali Columbia, and Saudi Arabia. During those years he took the time to expand his travels around the world. This was one of his passions. He loved planning the trips. He would spend months mapping out the locations and the sites he would experience. He was always learning. From reading books, to writing, to talking to someone about their life experiences. After retiring from teaching, he did more traveling but ended up in Mexico. This is where he retired but always came back to the States twice a year to visit with family.

When Stephen got his diagnosis of cancer, he wanted to fight this. He had so much more to do. During his illness he was planning his next trip. When it was told to us that it was terminal, he realized there was no fighting it and he made peace. He got to say his goodbyes to family and friends.

The Phillies won on August 6, so we know that Stephen was celebrating in heaven with Dad and Mark. He was a mega fan for his Philly teams. He could talk sports with you for hours. He watched the sports talk shows every day and when he was out of the country, he listened to them on the radio or wherever he could get them. He loved his Phillies, Eagles and 76ers.

Stephen is survived by his mother Margaret McNeal, Siblings Michael (Janet), Jean (Ed), Nancy (Alan) and Diane. As well as many nieces and nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. He is preceded in death by his grandmother Peg, father Gerald, brother Mark and niece Colleen.

A celebration of life will be held on August 26 for family and friends.