Umberto Neri

Umberto was born on September 7, 1939, in Rimini, Italy, to Concettina and Giorgio Neri. During World War II, he moved throughout Italy with his mother and older brother, Carlo, while his father served as a Colonel in the Italian Army. The family lived in Milan before eventually settling in Rome.

After completing three years of high school in Italy, Umberto came to the United States through the American Field Service Exchange Program. He spent his final year of high school in Minnesota and later earned his Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Chicago. A brilliant mathematician with an extraordinary intellect, he devoted his life to learning, teaching, and advancing his field.

In his younger years, Umberto enjoyed an active lifestyle and had a passion for soccer, mountain climbing, skiing, and tennis. While in college, he met Judith through mutual friends, and the two were married in Baltimore, Maryland in 1964. In 1969 Bert and Judy's daughter Laura was born. After growing up in Maryland Laura moved to Colorado in 2003 to start a family of her own. In 2005 her son Corey was born, who is Bert’s one and only grandchild.”

After becoming an American citizen, he adopted the nickname “Bert,” a name by which many friends and colleagues came to know him.

Bert spent more than 30 years as a mathematics professor at the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland, where he inspired and mentored generations of students. His love of mathematics extended well beyond the classroom, and he continued conducting research and delivering lectures in several countries, including his native Italy.

Following his retirement in 1999, Bert remained deeply committed to serving others. He volunteered within his community and enthusiastically supported causes and political issues that were important to him. He approached life with curiosity, conviction, and a desire to make a positive difference.

Throughout many years of health challenges, Bert demonstrated remarkable strength, resilience, and determination. Time and again, he faced adversity with courage and perseverance, always managing to recover with a smile and a positive outlook. He was also a devoted caregiver to his beloved wife Judy, as she amazingly battled severe rheumatoid arthritis her entire adult life, with that same perseverance and positive outlook.

In 2022, his daughter Laura moved him to Colorado after Judy’s passing so he could be closer to her and his beloved grandson, Corey. During these final years of his life, Bert resided in an assisted living community, where he formed meaningful friendships and embraced this new chapter with grace. He cherished his role as a father and grandfather and took great pride in his family. An avid reader, he continued to enjoy books and learning throughout his life.

Umberto is survived by his daughter, Laura Starner, and his grandson, Corey Starner.

He will be remembered for his brilliant mind, unwavering perseverance, dedication to education, love of family, and the kindness and wisdom he shared with those fortunate enough to know him. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched as a teacher, mentor, friend, father, and grandfather.

A Celebration of Umberto’s life will be held at StoneCreek of Flying Horse in Colorado Springs, Colorado at 2:00 pm on Saturday, July 11, 2026.