Richard F. Neville Jr.

Reverend Mister CMSgt. (Ret.) Richard F. (Dick) Neville, Jr., passed away peacefully April 26, 2025, at the age of 94 in his home with his wife, Carol, by his side and holding his hand as she's done for their nearly 72 years of marriage. God called home His faithful servant who devoted his life in service to his God, his wife and children, his country and his community. He was born in Springfield, MA on February 8, 1931, the oldest of 7 children. He graduated from Hope High School in Providence, RI, and attended the Rhode Island College of Education. He is preceded in death by his parents, Richard F. Neville, Sr, and mother Eileen M. Neville (Childs); his brother, Thomas A. Neville, CWO – W-4 (US Navy Ret), sister-in-law, Rosie Neville; brother-in-law, Don Meredith; sister, June M. Neville Klein; and grandson, David M. Soares. He is survived by his wife, Carol (Bennett) Neville; sister, Barbara J. Neville Meredith; brother, John J. Neville (Judy); sister, Janet M. Neville DeChristopher (John); and brother, Steven E. Neville (Meredith).

Deacon Neville has been married to Carolyn (Carol) Joyce Bennett of Indianapolis, IN for over 71 years. He met his future wife at the USO in Montgomery, Alabama. They were married on July 11, 1953, in St. Peter’s Church in Montgomery, Alabama, and so began their enduring love journey. Carol has said of Dick that, "He had a way of seeing how God wanted us and he inspired those around him to feel it." They have five children: Janet M. Neville, Richard F. Neville, III (Cathy); Therese Neville Soares (John, Maj, USAF Ret); Catherine Neville Lerner (Alan, Col, USAF Ret); Pat Neville (Jennifer Berry); niece Lisa Quates (Mary Andrews); nine grandchildren: Donald Terry, Jr.; Robert Terry (Lauren); Alexandra Neville Mortis (Matt); Richard F. Neville, IV (Kelly); Jordan Neville Marrugo (Jesus); Jonathon R. Soares (Stephanie, MSgt, USSF); Elyse Soares Reynolds (Walter); and Matthew Soares Villamar Molina (Luis); and 13 great-grandchildren. He also leaves numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dick entered the Air Force in February 1952, and retired as a Chief Master Sergeant in March 1980. While on active duty he attended and graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.A. in History & Political Science, 1961. His last assignment prior to his retirement was as Audio-Visual Superintendent and Assistant Chief of the ATC Presentations Division, Air Training Command (ATC) Headquarters, Randolph AFB. During this assignment he was also called upon to design the Audio-Visual presentation facilities for ATC, the Air Force Personnel Center, and AF Security Command. Chief Neville was the first enlisted member of the ATC Command Brief Team from 1975-1979.

While on active duty, he was ordained a Catholic deacon on April 2, 1975, by Archbishop Francis J. Furey, San Antonio; thus becoming the first active duty military man to be ordained on an active military installation. He was assigned to serve the Catholic military congregation on Randolph AFB, TX, where he served as Auxiliary Chaplain from 1980-1988 and he continued to serve over 35 years as a Deacon for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, until October 2010. In January 2011, Archbishop Garcia-Siller of San Antonio assigned Deacon Neville to serve at St. Padre Pio Catholic Church parish in San Antonio.

While still serving as a Deacon at Randolph, he was a volunteer part-time Chaplain at the Bexar County Jail from 1977-79, and a member of the Board of the Bexar County Battered Women’s Shelter, from 1979-1982. During his 50 years as a Catholic Deacon in San Antonio and on Randolph AFB, Deacon Neville has officiated at hundreds – if not more – weddings and baptisms, conducted pre-marriage counseling, and assisted or officiated at funerals; therefore, touching the lives of a great many local civilian families, as well as military families spread around the world!

After retiring from the military, Dick attended Graduate School at St. Mary’s University. Deacon Neville received his M.A. in Pastoral Administration in 1990, as a Distinguished Graduate. While still teaching he continued his graduate studies at the request of the Theology Department Chair and received his M.A. in Theology with a concentration in Moral Theology in 1993, also being recognized as a Distinguished Graduate. He has been Certified as a Pastoral Administrator/Associate, and as a Professional Catechist, by the Archdiocese of San Antonio and holds the Mandatum of the Archdiocese of San Antonio. He was privileged to teach undergraduate theology at St. Mary’s University from 1990-2006, as part of the special Academic staff as a Visiting Lecturer in Theology, and to also teach in the Archdiocese of San Antonio Diaconate Formation Program from 1979-2009. He was the faculty Advisor to the Non-Traditional Students Organization from 1993-2004 at St. Mary’s.

Dick served as a Council member of the City of Universal City for 26 years, 11 as Mayor Pro-Tem; and as a member of the Board and Treasurer of the City of Universal City Industrial Development Corporation for 30 years. Mr. Neville was present at the recent dedication of a Universal City park named in his honor. The ceremony was attended by a great many Universal City staff, council members, current and previous mayors, and family members, residents, and friends.

It was his honor and privilege to give the National Day of Prayer Address at Laughlin AFB, TX in 1975.

Dick was honored to be elected as “Chaplain for Life” of the Hangar Doors Are Open organization by his fellow members.

Among his military decorations and awards are the AF Meritorious Service Medal (1 OLC), the AF Commendation Medal, AF Outstanding Unit Award (1 OLC), AF Good Conduct Medal (6 OLC) Army Good Conduct Medal (4 knots), National Defense Service Medal (1 Br, Star), Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, AF NCO Professional Education Graduate (Sr. NCO Academy), and AF Small Arms Expert. In 1973, he was named Sr. NCO of the Year for ATC Headquarters and the Sr. NCO of the Year for the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. Dick also served as Region VII Texas Municipal League President from 2001-2003, among other offices.

Dick Neville is often described as “the embodiment of sacrifice to the country.” The City of Universal City says, “His service to Universal City is unmatched” and that Dick Neville is “a true statesman.” City Manager Kim Turner says, “Since 1994, there is not a project or organization that has not benefited from his wisdom, insight, or support.”

Deacon Dick Neville is loved and respected by many, and his positive influence has – and will continue to – touch the lives of so many for generations to come as his light continues to shine!

Services for CMSgt Richard F Neville, Jr (Ret) will be held as follows:

Viewing will be Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 North Loop 1604 East, San Antonio, TX 78232, followed by the Rosary at 7:00 PM, and Memorial Service following.

A funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM, St. Padre Pio Catholic Church, 3843 Bulverde Pkwy, San Antonio, Tx 78259, with reception following.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Deacon Richard "Dick" Neville may be made to The Shrine of Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, in care of St. Padre Pio Catholic Church, 3843 Bulverde Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78259, (210) 497-6101.