Neal Harry Emper Jr.

Neal H. Emper Jr., 88, of Crozet, VA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

Neal was born in Upland, PA, on November 2, 1937, to parents, Neal H. Impaglazzio and Ruth Lunger Impaglazzio.

As a child in a military family, Neal lived in almost two dozen places with in Europe and the United States before graduating from Neshaminy High School, Pennsylvania in 1956. Neal continued his education at Penn State University and ultimately decided to follow in his father’s footsteps with a career in the military. He entered the United States Air Force via the Navigator Cadet program in 1960. Neal and Carol both went to Neshaminy High School but in a twist of fate met in Honolulu, Hawaii while she was on vacation and he was on crew rest. They would wed in 1965 and continue their love affair for the next 60 years.

Neal enjoyed a 31 year career in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Colonel in 1991. He proudly earned the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Medal with 8 Oak Leaf Clusters and numerous other campaign and service decorations.

Over his career, he first served as a Navigator, primarily on the AC-130 “Spectre” Gunship, logging over 7800 flight hours on the AC-130, passenger and cargo aircraft. In 1976, he transitioned to the Combat Camera/Audiovisual career field, where he would proudly serve until his retirement. Neal’s final assignment was as Commander, Armed Forces Radio Television Service (AFRTS), where he had the opportunity to meet Bob Hope and Robin Williams. Neal remained tied to his military family through memberships in the Military Officers Association of America as well as the Spectre Association.

Shortly after retirement, Neal and Carol returned to their home in Redlands, CA, where they would stay for 28 years. During the first 10 years, Neal worked at the University of California, Riverside Cooperative Extension, where he worked on military contracts that were a perfect fit with his experience in the audiovisual field. In 2019, Neal and Carol moved to Crozet, VA, to be near their daughters Tracy and Nicole and their families.

Above all, Neal will be remembered for the love and loyalty he had for his family and friends. He closely followed his grandkids activities and would proudly give updates to anyone interested. Neal loved fishing in Alaska, traveling around the world, sunsets in Cape Charles and puzzles. As a master tinkerer, he could repurpose or fix anything! He also gave the best hugs!

Neal was preceded in death by his parents, Neal and Ruth, as well as his sister Eleanor Lombard and brother in law, Evan Lombard.

Neal is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Carol (Iskra), daughter Tracy Kunkel and husband Mike, daughter Nicole Doherty and husband Todd, grandchildren Andrew and wife Maggie, Ben, Kaitlin, Sofia, and Connor, Nephew Darrell Lombard and wife Beatrice, Niece Kathryn Lombard-Thomas and husband Leon, and Niece Cheryl Thorpe and husband John.

Services will be held near Philadelphia, PA, where Neal will be buried at Washington’s Crossing National Cemetery with full military honors.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to PARC-The Parkinson’s Activity Center of Charlottesville or Hospice of the Shenandoah.