Neil Willam Clemens

Neil was born in Annapolis, MD on January 7, 1965 to Bob and Barbara Clemens. He grew up in Winchester-on-the-Severn and quickly fell in love with the beach, boating, and the water. He became an expert boater at an early age as well as an experienced hard and soft crabber. He was often seen exploring the coastline of creeks in his Boston Whaler and catching crabs on the Winchester Pier. He competed on the local Chase Creek swim team collecting more trophies for his team. He soon became enamored of the east and southeast coasts, and loved to travel to New Hampshire, Maine and Florida. He was fascinated by water and waterways. The Baltimore Ravens also provided some excitement for Neil, always cheering them on and watching games with friends. Postgame critiquing came next.

He graduated from Saint Mary’s High School in Annapolis in 1983, excelling in math. Classmates often consulted with him in solving math problems. After attending Anne Arundel Community College and getting named to the Honors and Dean’s list in 1984 and 1985, he continued on to Old Dominion College in Norfolk, VA where he earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Again he made the Dean’s list in 1986 and 1987 and was a member of the Tau Beta Pi National Honor Society graduating as an Honor Student. He attended and completed numerous graduate courses in Water Resources at the University of Maryland from 1991 to 1993 for a Masters Degree.

After college Neil was commissioned an officer in the United States Navy. He was genuinely interested in the planning, design, and construction of land development, infrastructure, and water resources related projects. Wherever he went he carried with him his love for rivers, streams, and bays that was ingrained in him from his childhood. He gained much experience working with engineering consultants, developers, landowners, state and county agencies, and the general public during planning and review phases of land development projects. In addition to serving in the United States Navy, Neil also worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and then the Howard County Government. Later Neil worked with the Maryland Department of the Environment in Baltimore, MD. He received a Letter of Appreciation and a National Defense Medal from the U.S. Navy in 1991.

A true son of Annapolis and our Chesapeake Bay, Neil was a natural boater and spent a happy childhood on the Severn River. He took sailing lessons as a child at the Annapolis Yacht Club. He was a natural swimmer, and participated on the Navy swim team. At times when in Pennsylvania on Skiing trips he volunteered as a guide for the blind skiers. He always had a smile for everyone and was well-liked by all, affable and gentle, good natured, and optimistic. He was devoted and loyal to his family. He will always be remembered as a loving son, brother, and friend.

His unexpected and sudden passing was a shock to us all. He will be fondly remembered, loved forever and sorely missed by the Clemens family.

A visitation for Neil will be held Friday, September 15, 2023 from 6 to 8 PM at John M. Taylor Funeral Home, 147 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401. A memorial mass will be held at Saint John Neumann Catholic Church 620 N. Bestgate Road Annapolis, MD 21401 on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 10:30 am.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared on this website for the Clemens family.