Dr. Michael Francis Nealis, Jr.

November 15, 1946 – July 18, 2021

Dr. Michael F. Nealis Jr. died peacefully at home with his family on July 18, 2021 after a long illness, at the age of 74. He was predeceased by his parents Michael F. Nealis Sr. and Margaret E. Nealis of New York, NY. Dr. Nealis is survived by his loving wife of 55 years Margaret E. Nealis and his three children Marie Nealis, Michael Nealis III, and Angela Cerminaro (David); three grandchildren Sydney Nealis, Thomas Manley, and Elise Morawiec of San Antonio, Texas.

Mike attended Xavier High School, a Jesuit run high school for boys in New York, New York, where he served in Junior Army ROTC. He attended Manhattan College in Riverdale, NY where he joined the Air Force ROTC, receiving a full scholarship and pilot training. Upon graduation with a BS in biology, he was commissioned an officer in the US Air Force. His first assignment was at Bolling AFB in Washington DC under General Ohman who recommended him for a full scholarship to attend Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Dental Medicine receiving his D.M.D. After an exciting two years serving at Incirlik CDI in Turkey, he trained at the Naval Regional Medical Center in Great Lakes, Illinois to become an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon. Dr. Nealis had a distinguished 22-year military career, retiring as a Lt. Col in the U.S. Air Force after many years training new surgeons for the Air Force at Wilford Hall Medical Center. Upon retiring from the Air Force, Dr. Nealis chose to open a private practice as an Oral & Maxillofacial surgeon. His close friendship with Terence Cardinal Cooke with the Archdiocese of New York influenced him to serve God in a more personal manner. After five years of reflection and religious studies, Dr. Nealis was ordained a deacon to serve at Saint Matthew’s Catholic Church. Dr. Nealis’ favorite sport was ice hockey which he not only played but spent many happy hours as a team doctor for local hockey teams the San Antonio Iguana’s and the San Antonio Rampage. Dr. Nealis touched many lives. His wealth of knowledge of history, world events and his travels overseas combined with his engaging personality made him a fascinating conversationalist. He found a way to connect with everyone he encountered whether it be the waiter at a restaurant or President George H.W. Bush. He had a great love of music, especially big band music and upon arriving in Texas, this New Yorker fell in love with Bob Wills Big Band Music and even formed his own band, Doc Nealis and his Texas Show Band. Doc and his band performed locally and in cities across Texas. A truly exceptional man, he will be greatly missed by family and friends. The family would like to thank Rose Haley and Barbara Bloch for their exceptional and loving care.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 2, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. at Porter Loring North, followed by a Rosary.

A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, August 3, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, 10703 Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio, TX.

The family invites friends to join us for a catered lunch in the parish hall of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church immediately following mass August 3, 2021.

A Military Honors Ceremony will be held on Tuesday, August 3, 2021, at 1:45 p.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio, TX.