Neil Miller Belenky

Neil was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, but he made his home in Greensboro, North Carolina, for the past 36 years and lived in Kalamazoo, Michigan, for 18 years prior. He maintained many close friendships that he treasured in both places.

Neil is survived by his beloved wife, Cindy Weber Belenky, who he was incredibly fortunate to meet later in life, and his three sons who brought him a great deal of joy and pride, Erik (Sally), David, and Stephen (Rachel). He is also survived by his two granddaughters he dearly loved, Maggie and Miller, and a number of cousins and nieces. He was predeceased by his wife of 49 years, Marilyn Rosen Belenky, and his parents Leon and Ethel Belenky. Neil also was predeceased by a number of canine family members who he loved and cared for, but he survived by his devoted long-haired dachshund companion Jamison, alongside his new dachshund family Bella and Lilly.

Born on August 8, 1944, Neil grew up surrounded by cousins in Springfield, Massachusetts. He went on to attend Lake Forest University in Illinois and graduated from American International College in Springfield. He earned a master’s degree from the University of Connecticut School of Social Work. As a college freshman in 1964 during the Civil Rights Movement, he volunteered in Birmingham, Alabama, to work with African American students to improve their SAT scores and expand access to integrated colleges and universities, as well as registering voters and engaging community members.

If there is one word to describe Neil’s time as a student, his professional life, and his retirement years, it would be service. He enjoyed a long, distinguished career with the United Way in Springfield, Kalamazoo, and most recently Greensboro, where he served 18 years as President and made a tremendous impact on the community that he loved. Through the United Way, Neil focused on civic philanthropy and championed a number of initiatives, including the Women’s de Tocqueville Society, the Housing First Master Plan to serve individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, the “Quick Jobs” initiative at Guilford Technical Community College, the Frank Forum, a child abuse sexual assault center, housing tenants’ rights, and programs to strengthen families and communities. He founded African American and Latino initiatives to expand inclusion in United Way decision-making. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Neil directed the resettlement of over 800 residents of New Orleans in Guilford County.

Neil’s deep commitment to Greensboro extended beyond his career with the United Way. He served as President of Temple Emanuel, mentored young people through the African American Mentoring Initiative, and co-chaired the International Civil Rights Center & Museum’s inaugural fundraising campaign. In 2012, he worked with the Weaver Foundation to coordinate Greensboro’s first TEDx conference. He volunteered to support the New Garden Friends School, where served on the board, and the Elsewhere Living Museum and Artist Residency.

Neil was proud and humbled to be the recipient of the 2026 Unsung Hero Award of the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, “recognizing persons who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to social progress, a hero who has had a lifelong passion for justice, equity, and community empowerment.”

Neil had tremendous intellectual curiosity and enjoyed spirited discussion with friends and family. He was a lifelong reader who was always in the middle of a good book. As an avid cyclist, he loved time on the road and the friendships he made through his cycling group. In recent years, Neil was learning to play the guitar and took up golf. He loved traveling with Cindy, especially a recent trip to Italy, and was eagerly anticipating a trip to London to visit his granddaughter in the fall.

Ultimately, Neil’s greatest joy was his family. He loved being a father to his three boys. He delighted in their successes and provided unwavering support during challenging times. Erik, David, and Stephen each have a lifetime of memories of time with their dad. After raising three sons, Neil pivoted effortlessly to being “Papa” to two granddaughters. As a grandparent, he never missed a theatrical performance or graduation, and he truly enjoyed time with the girls whether it involved reading to them, keeping Miller company while she built Lego projects, making videos, or playing games. Neil’s favorite holiday was Thanksgiving, because he loved nothing more than spending time with his family, talking and laughing. His jokes didn’t always land, but he never stopped making them.

Funeral services will be held at Temple Emanuel on Sunday June 21st at 10:00 a.m. followed by a graveside service at the Greensboro Hebrew Cemetery.

For those who would like to honor him with a memorial, please consider donations to the International Civil Rights Center and Museum, Women of the Shoah, or Wesley Long Cancer Center. Donations may also be made to the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro/United Way of Greater Greensboro Neil Belenky Endowment Fund.