Edward Gene Neely

Edward Gene Neely, Sr.

Edward Gene Neely, 94, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2022, with family by his side. He was born in Philadelphia on March 4, 1928, a son of Franklin Thomas and Harriet (Moyer) Neely.

Ed (aka “Bullitt” or “Bullet”) was an amazing man who lived and did more in his 94 years than most people could do in three (or more) lifetimes. This Renaissance man was an inspiration to his family and so many others. Just a few of his many pursuits and accomplishments: proud veteran, scuba diver, pilot of both single-engine planes and gliders, photographer (who turned part of his laundry room into a darkroom for a period), Tae Kwon Do Black Belt (at age 69), cowboy action shooter, and ham radio operator. He played chess, tennis, harmonica, and guitar, and had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and learning. If you knew him, you no doubt heard many, many of his stories and his philosophies on the universe. He loved to tell his stories and make people laugh.

He is survived by his daughter Diane Fredrick (Hugh), sons Peter Neely and Michael Neely and daughter Elizabeth (Beth) Desautels, nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and many, many nieces, nephews, and other family members. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 66 years, Joan (Clements) Neely, his sons Edward Neely, Jr. and James Neely, and son-in-law Mark Desautels, as well as his parents, brothers Franklin Jr., William, and Jerome Neely, and his sister, Joannie Plaskett.

Ed had an amazingly sharp wit and an incredibly warm and caring heart. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many. He is and always will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life luncheon will be held in his honor from 12:00-2:30 p.m., Saturday, August 20, at the Southgate Community Center, 3145 Southgate Circle, Sarasota, Florida, and his ashes will be interred at the Sarasota National Cemetery in a private family ceremony.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmsrobartsfuneralhome.com for the Neely family.