He was born July 29, 1964, in Rockledge, Florida, to Ivan and Alice Neal. His family moved to Tennessee in 1969 where he and his brother were raised. In his youth, his family frequently visited his mom’s hometown, Killybegs, Ireland. Joe excelled as a multi-sport athlete, but wrestling became his passion. He was twice voted the top high school wrestler in Middle Tennessee and went on to wrestle at the University of Tennessee. This is where he met his true love, Jenni, whom he married in 1988. After earning his BS from UT he began his career in banking eventually, by way of several mergers, came to work at Bank of America in Nashville. He began to establish life-long relationships with leading healthcare executives and developed a thorough understanding of health care’s complexities, all while completing his MBA. He was hired by Phycor to acquire and manage physician practices. Joe moved his family to Tampa in 2000 to build Bank of America’s Florida health care practice. Since 2007, Joe has served as CEO of Beth Ingram Therapy Services. Joe, with the support of his business partner Larry Morgan, transformed the business into the largest speech therapy private practice in the state of Florida.
Joe was active in giving back to his community. He was on the board of the Salesian Youth Center. He and his family served the homeless through Room in the Inn and Faith Cafe. He took great pride in his volunteer position as JV wrestling coach at Jesuit High School where he fondly called the wrestlers “his kids”. He relished opportunities to coach, teach and assist others.
Most precious to Joe were his family, friends and Catholic faith. His love for his children, Patrick and Erin, knew no bounds – he adored them. Joe was a good friend and mentor to so many. He is godfather to Caitlin, Abby, and Lorelai and set an example for all to follow. He was a wonderful, brilliant and most importantly a good man who will be missed beyond understanding.
He is survived by his best friend and wife of over 30 years, Jenni; his children, Patrick (Erica) and Erin; his mother, Alice; his brother, John (Bonnie); his nieces, Caitlin and Abby; Jenni’s mother, Marcia Williams; his brother-in-law, Chris (Tiffany) Williams; and their children, Andrew (Emilie) and Cameron. He is also survived by many uncles, aunts and cousins in the US and Ireland. He was predeceased by his father, Ivan Neal; grandparents, Ivan and Roberta Neal of Florida, and Denis and Rose Rowan of Killybegs, Ireland.
Visitation will be Sunday, Feb. 3 from 2:00-4:00pm at Blount & Curry 605 S. MacDill Ave. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, Feb. 4, 2:00pm at Sacred Heart Church in Tampa.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either The Salesian Youth Center, or Jesuit High School in Joe’s name.
