Neil R. Spokas

We are greatly saddened to announce the passing of Neil Spokas, suddenly, after a short illness. Neil was born in Miami, FL, and raised in Huntington, LI, with frequent trips to FL. After graduation from Huntington H.S., he enlisted in the US Navy and was assigned to the warship USS California as a radar operator (OSSA). He became a plank owner on the ship when it was commissioned at Newport News, VA in 1974. After training at Great Lakes Naval base, he joined the California crew to escort the USN carrier Nimitz on its initial “around the world” voyage.

Fresh from a 4-year stint in the Navy, Neil was fortunate enough to land a position at a water plant in Miami where his uncle Jim Nicholas once worked. With his intelligence and mechanical skills, Neil earned his water plant operator’s license and ultimately became a manager at the Hialeah water plant. Before this, Neil was a member of his best friend’s wedding party, where he escorted a bridesmaid, Andrea Estabrook from Rockland, Maine. A loving relationship soon developed and in 1983, they married in CT and subsequently moved to Fort Lauderdale.

Neil will long be remembered for his generosity and ability to “fix stuff”. He was the go-to guy for problems with cars, plumbing, electrical equipment, etc. His skill at woodworking was legendary, but he also could handle all kinds of construction, and was always ready to help his and other families with their projects.

After 34 years at the Hialeah water plant, Neil retired and spent most of his time, helping his family. However, he still found time to go, rather often, fishing with his 3 brothers. Neil landed many nice billfish and some really big bass on his fishing trips. He and his wife, Andrea, shared a summer cabin in NC which he named the “Lucky Enough” cabin. He said, the name was fitting because if you were there, you were lucky enough! He frequently invited his brothers to go trout fishing with him in the surrounding areas. Neil was particularly good at finding new places, trout “hot spots” in small streams.

Most importantly, Neil was a devoted husband, father, and brother. He is survived by his wife Andrea, his son Gregory (Margaret) Spokas, sisters Jeannette Neuschaefer, Catherine (Kim) Phipps, and brothers Eric (Paula) Spokas and Kurt Spokas. He was predeceased by his parents (Marion and Bruno) and his brother Andy. In honor of Neil’s unfailing generosity to others, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.

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