Thomas "Tom" Edward Neal, Sr.

Thomas Edward Neal, 92, died March 24, 2024 at the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community in Harrisonburg, VA, where he was a resident of the Hickory neighborhood in Crestwood. Tom joins his wife of 68 years, Ellen, who passed away four years ago. He leaves behind their son Tom Neal, Jr., daughters Kathy Ridgeway and Kelli Herring, 8 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. He also leaves behind his brother, Patrick Neal and his sister Kitty Kelly. Tom was born in Evanston, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago) to parents Dale and Mary Neal. His childhood was spent between the busy city of Chicago and the tiny little town of Alma Center, Wisconsin. Upon graduation from high school, Tom proudly joined the U.S. Navy. He served for four years and while stationed at the Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek in Norfolk, VA, met his wife, Ellen. Upon leaving the Navy, Tom began work as a teller with the Bank of Virginia. With his attention to detail and prowess with numbers, he quickly advanced. Through AIB and summer school, Tom earned his graduate degree in banking from the University of Wisconsin. By his mid 30’s, Tom was made President of the Washington Trust Bank in Bristol, VA. At that time, he was the youngest bank president in the state of Virginia. Banking was truly his calling. Tom’s work as a banker took Ellen and their family many places. They lived in Norfolk, Portsmouth, Bristol, and Roanoke, VA. They also lived in Charleston and Beckley, WVA, before retiring to Swansboro, a lovely small town on the intracoastal waterway of southeastern NC. Eventually, they found their way back to Harrisonburg where they made their home at VMRC. Tom always said he was a Midwesterner by birth, and a Virginian by choice. Throughout their many moves, they made many good and lasting friendships, many gone now, but fondly remembered. Tom always enjoyed playing golf with those friends. He also enjoyed crossword puzzles and a good game of Scrabble. The family would like to acknowledge and thank the entire staff of VMRC for the kind, patient, and wonderful care Tom received while living first at Park Gable and then Crestwood. Words cannot express the depth of our gratitude. Tom’s family will conduct a celebration of his life at a future time. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the VMRC Foundation,1501 Virginia Avenue, Harrisonburg, VA 22802. www.vmrc.org/vmrc-foundation. Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburg is handling arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseyfuneralhomes.com.