John Robert Neutzling

John Robert Neutzling, 73, passed away unexpectedly on February 18, 2026, in his home on Rockhill Drive in San Antonio, Texas. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, colleague, mentor, neighbor, and friend. “That light” emanated from this big-hearted, larger-than-life man who filled the room with his presence. He will be sorely missed.

John, affectionately known as “Johnny”, was born on October 21, 1952, to Mary Ellen Breen and Ralph Neutzling. He grew up on Rosemont Drive in San Antonio with his mother, his brother Ron, and his Uncle Don. While attending St. Paul's Catholic School and Central Catholic High School (Class of ‘70), he forged many friendships that would become cherished, lifelong bonds.

The seeds of John’s 50 plus year career in the shopping center industry were planted during high school when he served as Janitor at North Star Mall, home of the World’s Largest Cowboy Boots. After graduating from the University of Houston in 1974 with a degree in Communications and Journalism, John began his career with Melvin Simon and Associates as the Marketing Director at West Lake Mall in Bessemer, Alabama. Thanks to his tenacious work ethic and remarkable people skills, John quickly progressed through the ranks and landed at Simon’s home office in Indianapolis where he eventually became Executive Vice President. In 2007, John joined Miller Capital Advisory, Inc. where he employed his wisdom and experience to shrewdly advise in the investment and management of shopping centers across the country. John was admired and loved by many in his field for his sense of humor, his (mostly true) stories, and for his singular ability to make people feel at ease.

In addition to being a self-made man who was passionate about his work, John zestfully pursued hobbies such as travel, cooking, and photography. Along with his wife and travel partner, Christi, John enjoyed many trips to wonderful places (Italy and Montana being personal favorites). A bonafide grill master and self-taught chef, John served up countless delicacies such as smoked brisket, fajitas, steak, cheeseburgers, enchiladas verdes, beef tenderloin, paella, and even cinnamon toast, all prepared with immense love and care for the people lucky enough to be gathered around his table. A special source of joy was photography; whether his subject was people, dogs, nature, or the view out of an airplane window, John had a unique perspective to share with the world.

Though his career took him to various places in the US, John deliberately made his last move back to San Antonio in the early 2010’s to be near his daughter Erin, his grandkids, his extended family, and his close knit group of friends. He savored time spent with family and was extraordinarily generous of spirit. Fievel, Dad, Papa, and UJ (Uncle John) were his favorite titles.

John’s absence looms large; however, his memory lives on. It’s in our everyday encounters when we extend kindness to others and make them feel seen, when we endeavor to make memories with those we love, when we pick up the phone to let someone know we are thinking of them, when we nourish and encourage, when we approach life with open arms, and when we stop to notice and appreciate the quiet magic of “that light.”

John is survived by his wife Christianne; his daughter Erin Neutzling Scott and son-in-law Rodger Scott and their children Evie, Edgar, and Felix; his daughter Meredith Glasser; his son and daughter-in-law Matthew and Sarah Glasser, and their children, Genevieve and Maxwell; his niece and nephew Laura Neutzling and Daniel Neutzling and their families; his sister-in-law Kitty Neutzling; and his coparent Elizabeth San Marco and her family.

A memorial Service will be held at the Jack Guenther Pavilion at the Briscoe Western Art Museum (River View Room) in San Antonio, Texas on Friday, April 10 at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of following organizations or to the charity of your choice:

Canine Companions

https://canine.org/

The McNay Art Museum

https://www.mcnayart.org/

Green Spaces Alliance of South Texas (Check out the Picture Your World Program)

https://greensatx.org/