Neal P. Lynch

Neal is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 50 years Dolores “Dolly” A. Lynch (nee Gawron) originally from Youngstown, Ohio; his two children Ami Lynch (spouse Sang Lee) and his granddaughter Mika of Arlington, Virginia, and Todd Lynch (spouse Danielle Lynch) and his grandchildren Declan and Delaney of Ashburnham, Massachusetts; brothers Kevin Lynch, Mark Lynch, and Richard Lynch; and many nieces, nephews, and in-laws. He is preceded in death by his parents Francis Lynch and Rosalie Lynch (nee Carter), chosen brother and partner in crime Ferris Hillmann; brothers Christopher Lynch and Brian Lynch; his special sisters-in-law Marie Rubino and Jacqueline Gawron; and his pet dog Diva.

Neal grew up on Risley Street in East Hartford and was known to cause quite a ruckus with his five brothers. He attended Prince Technical High School, served four years in the US Air Force, and mastered the trade of plumbing. After working at Pratt & Whitney, he finished his career at, and then retired from, Connecticut Natural Gas Corporation as a pipe fitter. Those who knew him well know that CNG truck 311 had more jokes made than jobs completed. Neal would want everyone to play 3-1-1 in the lottery pick three, so please go buy a ticket!

While he loved his wife, children, and grandchildren it’s quite possible his greatest love was his dog Diva. Diva loved no one, but Neal obediently followed her lead on when she wanted food, demanded a walk, or barked at him to come to bed.

Among Neal’s other passions were making jokes and connecting with people. Having never met a stranger, he befriended servers and cashiers with ease and had countless friends. He leaves behind many people who will miss him.

Neal’s family is grateful to the following people for their friendship and support over the recent years: Judith “Judy” Hillmann, who was and is a tireless advocate and the definition of a best friend; Helen and James “Bud” Varner for being great friends to Neal and Dolly. Neal loved New Year’s Eve celebrations with the Hillmann’s and Varner’s; John Mullen, whose quick thinking and problem solving led him to make a critical phone call to save our family further despair. His over 25 years of friendship was incredibly important to Neal; and the rest of the lunch gang: Bob Garro, Tom Garro, Bill Hart, Glen Fraser, Irving Freedman, and the late Butch Gioco. If family is traditionally mentioned in obituaries, then all these folks should be mentioned too because they are his chosen extended family.

Neal was active over the years in the Moose Club, St. Christopher’s Church, the Food Bank in East Hartford, and Protectors of Animals, to name a few. He was a diehard Red Sox fan and religiously followed UCONN men’s and women’s basketball.

Funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 11am at the D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford, CT 06118. Calling hours will be Saturday morning (January 18) from 9:30 – 11 am at the funeral home chapel. Neal’s family highly encourages people to feel no pressure to dress up, as Neal did not enjoy that, and hope that many will wear clothing items featuring the Red Sox, UCONN, or any team he liked. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Neal’s life. Burial with military honors will follow at Silver Lane Cemetery, East Hartford, CT. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations in memory of Neal Lynch to the St. Christopher/South Congregational Combined Foodbank, c/o 1301 Forbes Street, East Hartford, CT 06118 (860-289-7916), or to Protectors of Animals, 144 Main Street, Unit O, East Hartford, CT 06118 (https://poainc.org/donate/). For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com