John P. Neff

John P. Neff passed away on July 8 in his Amherst home at the age of 78. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Kathleen (May), sons John E. (Paula) and Brian R. (Marina), daughter Patricia Claster (Samuel), brother William, sisters Marleah Doherty and Maripat Sullivan and six grandchildren.

Born in Buffalo and raised in Tonawanda, John graduated from St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute in 1965 where he was a tackle on the undefeated Saints football team. He held a BS Mechanical Engineering from the University of Detroit and an MBA from SUNY at Buffalo.

John’s career started with Marine Midland Bank and he later held executive leadership positions at Marrano Enterprises, US Home Corp, and The Housing Council of the Niagara Frontier.

Later in his career he pursued several entrepreneurial opportunities, most notably co-founding ThermaLock Products, where the technology he developed won a number of awards. He also received three U.S. Patents for this energy saving technology.

John was a lifelong artist and painter, and in retirement enjoyed playing golf and spending time with his grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial took place on July 12. A Celebration of Life will be held later this summer. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations can be sent to Hospice of Buffalo.